India Denies Commitment to Tariff Cuts After Trump's Claims

India has clarified that it has not committed to lowering import duties on US products, days after President Donald Trump claimed that New Delhi had agreed to "cut their tariffs way down."

Despite ongoing trade discussions, an Indian parliamentary panel confirmed that no formal commitment had been made regarding tariff reductions, contradicting Trump's recent statements.

Trump’s Trade Policies Target Multiple Nations

Weeks into his second term, President Trump has intensified his trade stance, announcing reciprocal tariffs on several nations, including India. 

However, Indian officials dismissed these claims, stating that discussions are still ongoing and that no immediate tariff cuts have been agreed upon.

India Seeks More Time to Address US Concerns

According to a report the Indian government has requested time until September to resolve tariff-related issues raised by the US.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal emphasized that India and the US are focused on a long-term bilateral trade agreement rather than short-term tariff adjustments.

Modi and Trump Discuss Bilateral Trade Expansion

During a White House meeting in February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump reiterated their commitment to expanding US-India trade to $500 billion by 2030. Modi stated that both economies are working on a mutually beneficial trade agreement that will be finalized "very soon."

Trump acknowledged his "special bond" with Modi, reinforcing the strategic importance of the relationship between the world's largest and fifth-largest economies.

Trade and Defense Cooperation Strengthen Ties

While the US remains a key market for India's information technology and services sectors, Washington has also made billions of dollars in military hardware sales to New Delhi in recent years.

Trump’s Potential Visit to India

President Trump is expected to visit India later this year for a Quad Summit, a strategic meeting of leaders from India, the US, Japan, and Australia. The summit aims to enhance cooperation on economic and security matters, further solidifying ties between the two nations.

 

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