Donald Trump Claims India Offered 'Zero Tariffs' Deal To US Amid High-Stakes Trade Talks: Report
Trump said, “India offered US a deal, basically zero tariffs.” The remark hints at a significant shift in trade dynamics between the two countries.
US President Donald Trump has reportedly claimed that India has proposed a sweeping trade agreement that would allow “basically zero tariffs” on a wide range of American goods. As reported by Reuters, the announcement came during his visit to Doha on Thursday, as part of a broader diplomatic tour across West Asia.
'Basically Zero Tariffs,' Says Trump
While addressing the media during the second leg of his regional tour, Trump said, “India offered US a deal, basically zero tariffs.” The remark hints at a significant shift in trade dynamics between the two countries, which have been locked in complex negotiations over tariffs and market access for over a year.
Trump’s comments build on his previous optimism. Speaking at an event in Michigan on April 30, he had noted, “India tariff talks are going great, think we'll have a deal soon.”
India’s Bold Proposal: Tariff Cuts and Preferential Access
According to a Reuters report citing Indian officials involved in the discussions, India has proposed an ambitious tariff overhaul. The country is reportedly willing to cut its average tariff difference with the US from roughly 13 per cent to below 4 per cent — a notable 9-point drop.
In the first phase of the proposed agreement, India has offered to reduce import duties to zero on approximately 60 per cent of tariff lines. Additionally, the Modi-led government is ready to provide preferential market access to nearly 90 per cent of American goods entering the Indian market.
In return, India is asking Washington for a complete exemption from existing and any future tariff hikes — something not fully granted even in the recent US-UK deal.
US Temporarily Suspends Tariffs on Indian Goods
Earlier, on April 10, the US had paused the imposition of additional tariffs on Indian exports for a 90-day window, lasting until July 9. This move was interpreted as a goodwill gesture aimed at fostering a more cooperative climate for the trade talks.
The temporary relief came shortly after the US, on April 2, announced a sweeping set of duties on imports from nearly 60 countries to curb trade imbalances. India was among those affected, with an additional 26 per cent duty slapped on exports including seafood and industrial metals such as steel.
While a final agreement is yet to be sealed, Trump’s statements suggest that the contours of a breakthrough deal may already be taking shape. If concluded, it would mark one of the most substantial bilateral trade realignments between the two democracies in recent years.
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