On Friday, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the ongoing business discussions between the United States and India, while appreciating the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump, who spoke to reporters at the American representative for New Jersey Alina Habba, described PM Modi as a “very smart man” and “great friend”.
“Prime Minister Modi has been here recently and we have always been very good friends,” Trump said. “India is one of the highest customs nations in the world … they are very smart. He (PM modi) is a very smart man and my great friend. We had very good conversations. I think it will work very well between India and our country.
His notes followed after visiting PM Modi in the US in February, during which both leaders announced plans for negotiating the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) in autumn 2025 to strengthen economic cooperation.
PM Modi remembers a bond with Trump
At the beginning of this week, PM Modi was thinking about his relationship with Trump and quoting the event of Howdy Modi during the first term of Trump as a determining moment.
“I touched his courage and his confidence in me,” PM Modi said, remembering how Trump ignored the security protocol to capture the stadium bike. He also appreciated Trump for his resistance after survived the assassination attempt during his campaign.
Us to store 25% tariff on imported vehicles
In a large shift in Trump policy, the Trump announced 25% tariff to all imported vehicles, which is determined to enter the effect of April 2. The decision to strengthen domestic production will affect almost half of all vehicles sold in the US, including American brands compiled overseas.
“This is very exciting for domestic production,” Trump said. “We need more car manufacturers producing inside our country, not only to sell here.”
Trump requires “mutual tariffs” in India
Trump previously criticized Indian business policies and called it one of the most protectionist economies.
“We will soon save mutual tariffs – they charge us, we charge them,” Trump said in February with reference to countries like India and China. “Whether a company or a country such as India or China, fees, we want to be fair; hence, mutual.”
Specifically, he pointed to the high Indian automotive tariffs and said: “India charges US automotive tariffs greater than 100%.”
During the joint meeting of Congress, Trump said that the US has been used for decades almost every country, including the European Union, China, Brazil and Mexico, and promised to end this trend.
“We won’t let it happen longer,” he said.
Tension increases as the term 2. April approaches
Since Trump’s tariffs will soon be reflected, the bilateral trade agreement remains on the potential way for dispute resolution.
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