Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that a significant trade deal with India could be reached if he is re-elected, but he coupled this optimism with a stern warning about India's high tariffs on American goods.
Speaking at a Teamsters union event in Washington, Trump revisited one of his signature policy issues, suggesting that unfinished trade negotiations from his first term could see a breakthrough. "We're working on a deal with India. We were very close to a deal... I think we're going to reach a deal," he stated, hinting at the potential for a renewed economic partnership.
However, Trump's proposal comes with a firm condition centered on what he calls "reciprocity." He specifically called out India for what he described as extremely high taxes on American products. Using his go-to example, he mentioned the steep tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
"The tariff rates are so high," Trump explained. "When we sell a Harley-Davidson motorcycle to India, they charge 100%, 150%, even 200% tariff. But when they sell us a motorcycle, we charge them nothing."
To combat this imbalance, Trump doubled down on his threat to impose a "reciprocal tax" or "retaliation tax." His concept is straightforward: if a country imposes a certain tariff on a U.S. product, the United States will apply an identical tariff on that country's equivalent product. "If India is charging us 100%, we're going to charge them 100%," he declared.
Despite the tough talk on trade, Trump was quick to emphasize his strong personal connection with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I have a great relationship with Prime Minister Modi," he said, suggesting that their rapport could help pave the way for successful negotiations.
During Trump's presidency, trade talks between the two nations frequently stalled over issues of market access and tariffs. While he and PM Modi enjoyed a warm relationship, a comprehensive trade agreement remained elusive. The Biden administration has since continued these discussions, with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai holding multiple talks with her Indian counterparts, but a major pact has yet to be finalized.
Trump's latest comments place the future of US-India trade squarely in the political spotlight, signaling that if he returns to the White House, resolving these long-standing tariff disputes will be a top priority—achieved either through a friendly deal or forceful taxation.
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