Donald Trump Slams India For ‘High Tariffs’ on American Products, Says They Want Trade Deal With US Primarily to Keep Him Happy

The US president also announced a new trade deal with neighbouring Mexico and Canada.

Washington: United States President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that India wants to have a trade deal with America primarily to keep him happy. During his White House news conference, Trump referred India as a “tariff king” and reiterated his allegations that New Delhi has a high tariff rate on various American products.

After he warned against imposing similar tariffs on import of Indian products, Trump said Indians called him and they want to have a trade deal with the US. The negotiations is being carried out by the US Trade Representatives, Robert Lighthizer. When US officials asked Indians why they want to have a trade deal with America, Indian officials told them that they want to keep the US president happy, Trump told reporters.

Meanwhile, the US president also announced a new trade deal with neighbouring Mexico and Canada. As he announced the key elements of the US-Mexico and Canada Agreement or USMCA, Trump listed out at the trade deals that are under negotiations, including with Japan, European Union, China and India.

Earlier on Saturday, Trump had said that India wants to have a trade deal with the US because it does not want him to impose tariffs on their products. Trump’s remarks came days after Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott returned from India where he had detailed discussion with senior Indian officials on bilateral trade and a possible trade deal between the two countries.

(With inputs from PTI)