Washington, May 17 – In a candid and wide-ranging interview with Fox News, former US President Donald Trump claimed that India is now ready to remove all tariffs on American goods—a striking gesture from one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. But even as he celebrated the offer, Trump made it clear: he’s not rushing into any trade agreements just yet.
“India’s been tough to deal with—very tough,” Trump said, his tone firm but optimistic. “They make it almost impossible to do business. But now? They’re willing to cut 100 percent of their tariffs for us. That’s huge.”
Despite this seemingly major breakthrough, Trump’s comments came with a dose of caution. “That’ll come soon,” he said about the potential deal. “I’m in no rush. Everybody wants to make a deal with us, but we don’t need to make a deal with everybody.”
India Responds: ‘Not So Fast’
Back in New Delhi, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to Trump’s claims with a more measured, grounded perspective. Speaking to reporters, Jaishankar emphasized that while trade talks with the US are indeed ongoing, they’re anything but simple.
“These are complicated negotiations,” he explained. “Nothing is final until everything is final. Any agreement must be balanced and serve both sides. Judging prematurely would not be fair.”
A Bigger Game at Play?
Trump’s comments suggest this may be part of a broader shift in how the US approaches global trade. He hinted at new tariff announcements in the next few weeks—not just for India, but for other trading partners as well. Meanwhile, he surprised many by floating the idea of expanding trade with Pakistan, India’s long-time rival, framing trade as a tool for diplomacy and even conflict resolution.
“I’m using trade to settle scores and make peace,” Trump said, referring also to recent tensions in South Asia following terror incidents.
Global Ripples: Not Just About India
This news comes as the US attempts to ease its trade war with China. Trump claimed a partial victory there too, citing steep reductions in tariffs on both sides. “If I didn’t do that deal with China, I think China would have broken apart,” he remarked, underscoring the geopolitical high-stakes nature of modern trade deals.
While Trump’s tone may sound triumphant, India’s firm yet cautious stance reminds us that international trade is more than a headline—it’s a complex dance of diplomacy, national interest, and long-term strategy. Whether or not the US and India strike a zero-tariff deal, one thing is clear: the world is watching, and the rules of the trade game are still being written.
