In a surprising claim, US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that India has agreed to drop its tariffs on American goods to zero.
Trump asserted that this decision was made exclusively because of his influence, sparking discussions on the evolving trade relations between the two nations.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump emphasised that India has one of the highest tariff rates in the world. He told reporters, “They’ve already agreed. They would have never done that for anybody else but me.”
While Trump celebrated the announcement, Indian officials have not yet provided any formal confirmation regarding the alleged tariff removal. The silence from New Delhi leaves room for speculation about whether such a policy shift has truly been finalised.
Last month, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that trade talks between the US and India were moving swiftly, suggesting that a deal could be imminent. Bessent noted that India’s historically high tariffs made negotiation easier, hinting at potential compromises in future agreements.
Vice President Vance’s recent visit to India fueled speculation about a near trade deal. His meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi were reportedly productive, although no specific agreements were publicly disclosed.
Trump had previously announced a 26% reciprocal tariff on India in early April, only to introduce a 90-day pause soon after. This temporary relief was welcomed by many US and Indian businesses affected by the trade conflict.
As discussions progress, experts remain divided on the implications of Trump’s latest statement. Without official confirmation from Indian authorities, it remains unclear whether the claim will soon translate into a tangible trade agreement.
