On Friday, US President Donald Trump criticized Indian tariffs as ‘brutal’ but remained hopeful that trade relations between the two countries would ‘work out very well’.
Speaking at a White House news briefing, Trump responded to a question on trade negotiations by acknowledging the challenges while expressing confidence in future progress.
He remarked, “It’s brutal… It’s brutal,” as he criticized India’s duties on American goods.
However, he quickly added, “I think it’s going to work out very well, between India and our country,” without offering specific details on the proposed tariff changes expected to be unveiled on April 2 under his reciprocal tariff plan.
Trump also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him ‘a very smart man’ and ‘a great friend’, recalling their recent discussions in Washington as ‘very good talks’.
He described PM Modi as ‘a great Prime Minister’.
The US President has frequently voiced concerns over the trade gap with India.
According to the US Trade Representative, the goods trade deficit stood at $45.7 billion in 2024 – an increase of 5.4% from the previous year.
The total trade in goods between the two countries reached $129.2 billion.
In 2024, US exports to India rose to $41.8 billion, while imports from India climbed to $87.4 billion.
Trump has hinted at the possibility of exemptions or flexibility in the upcoming tariff plan but has not specified which nations might benefit.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also addressed trade issues during their phone conversation on Friday.
The US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated, “They discussed ongoing efforts to reduce barriers to achieve a fair and balanced bilateral trade relationship, strengthen collaboration in defence and technology, and boost security and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region.”
Also Read: India, US Talk Trade & Indo-Pacific Ties Ahead Of Tariff Move
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