“I believe they’re going to probably going to be lowering those tariffs substantially, but on April 2, we will be charging them the same tariffs they charge us,” he was quoted as saying.
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lavished praise on Donald Trump as a man of courage, underscoring strong personal bonds now being tested by the US president’s tariff plans, which also include the South Asian nation.
Modi said he gets along well with Trump because they both put their nations first, according to comments on the Lex Fridman Podcast, a rare interview with a foreign podcaster. The remarks came as India becomes a prime target for reciprocal US tariffs from April 2.
“His reflection showed his America First spirit, just as I believe in nation first,” Modi said. “I stand for India first and that’s why we connect so well.”
Modi has been making moves to appease Trump, lowering some tariffs on American goods. According to Bloomberg, Indian officials are also considering reducing duties on products like automobiles, agricultural items, and chemicals.Earlier this year, Modi was among the first foreign leaders to visit Trump following his return to the White House. Despite recent tensions, the two leaders have maintained a close relationship, having met several times during Trump’s first term.The US has also viewed India as a key regional ally and a counterbalance to China’s growing influence.
A day before, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also highlighted the reality of there being increased use of tariffs and sanctions by various countries to protect one’s economic interests, and that developing International relations has “eroded” the lines which divide the different domains across countries.
“Tariffs, sanctions, I think, whether we would like it or not they are a reality, countries use them. In fact, if one looks at the last decade, I would say we have seen a much greater weaponization of pretty much any kind of capability or any kind of economic activity. It could be financial flows, it could be energy supplies, it could be technology,” EAM Jaishankar said.
Content Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com