Washington/New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump on Monday announced that the United States and India have reached an agreement on a trade deal, marking a significant step toward easing recent strains in bilateral economic relations. As part of the agreement, both countries will move to reduce reciprocal tariffs.
President Trump said the US would lower tariffs from 25 per cent to 18 per cent, signalling a de-escalation in trade tensions and a push toward strengthening commercial ties with India.
Earlier in the day, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor confirmed that President Trump held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a brief post on social media, Gor said, “President Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. STAY TUNED.”
The phone call coincided with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s three-day visit to Washington, where discussions are expected to focus on trade, strategic cooperation, and broader bilateral relations.
In recent weeks, both sides have made concerted efforts to address differences and move forward on finalising a proposed bilateral trade agreement, aimed at boosting economic cooperation between the two democracies.
