Washington, May 17 – In a moment of unexpected openness, former US President Donald Trump revealed that India is ready to scrap all tariffs on American goods — a move that could dramatically reshape trade ties between the two nations. But even with such a bold offer on the table, Trump made it clear he’s not rushing into any agreement just yet.
Speaking candidly during an interview with Fox News on Friday, Trump pointed to India as a key example of countries with heavy trade barriers — something he’s long criticized and promised to break down.
“They make it almost impossible to do business,” Trump said bluntly. “Do you know they’re willing to cut 100 percent of their tariffs for the United States?”
His remarks, however, came with a dose of ambiguity. While calling India’s gesture significant, Trump also signaled he’s in no hurry. “That’ll come soon. I’m in no rush. Look, everybody wants to make a deal with us,” he added.
But the story doesn’t end there.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was quick to respond, offering a more grounded and cautious perspective. “These are complicated negotiations,” he told reporters Thursday. “Nothing is decided till everything is. Any trade deal has to be mutually beneficial. Until that’s done, any judgment would be premature.”
His statement reflects the intricate, often fragile nature of global trade talks — where political headlines can often move faster than the actual negotiations.
Trump’s comments also suggest a broader strategy at play. With a pause on heightened import duties set to expire in July, countries like India may be adjusting their approach — but the US seems prepared to make its own decisions, deal or no deal.
In a surprising twist, Trump also hinted at expanding trade ties with Pakistan — even linking trade policy to diplomatic peace efforts in South Asia. “I’m using trade to settle scores and make peace,” he said.
Meanwhile, the former president pointed to recent trade developments with China as a success story. The US slashed its tariff rate on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, and in turn, Beijing dropped theirs from 125% to just 10%. “If I didn’t do that deal with China,” Trump claimed, “I think China would have broken apart.”
The stage is set for high-stakes negotiations ahead — but for now, the world watches as two of the largest democracies navigate a tricky path toward mutual gain.
