Trump asserts that India is prepared to remove 100% of tariffs imposed on the United States

Trump Claims India Agrees to Eliminate All Tariffs on US Goods in Potential Trade Deal

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that India is prepared to completely remove tariffs on American imports, marking what could be a historic shift in trade relations between the two nations. The unexpected announcement came during a campaign event, where Trump stated, "India has agreed to remove all tariffs on our products—100%. They know it's the right thing to do after our strong negotiations."  

The claim, which has yet to be officially confirmed by Indian authorities, follows years of trade tensions between the world's largest democracies. Since 2019, when the U.S. revoked India's preferential trade status affecting $6 billion in exports, the two countries have engaged in ongoing disputes over tariffs covering agricultural goods, medical devices, and technology products.  

Trade experts expressed cautious optimism about the potential breakthrough. "If verified, this would open significant opportunities for U.S. farmers and manufacturers," noted trade analyst Mark Cohen, while others questioned whether New Delhi would fully abandon its protective trade policies without substantial concessions in return. The Indian Commerce Ministry responded cautiously, saying discussions were ongoing but no final agreement had been reached.  

A complete elimination of Indian tariffs on U.S. goods could dramatically increase American exports in key sectors like dairy, ethanol, and advanced machinery. It would also strengthen economic ties at a time when both nations are seeking to counterbalance China's global trade influence. However, with India's long-standing commitment to shielding domestic industries, many observers await official confirmation before declaring a major policy shift.  

The development comes as bilateral trade between the U.S. and India reached a record $128 billion last year, despite persistent tariff disputes. Business leaders on both sides are closely monitoring the situation, recognizing that such an agreement could reshape global trade dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. As of now, neither government has released details about potential timelines or reciprocal measures that might be part of any forthcoming trade deal.