WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected India’s recent offer to eliminate tariffs, saying the move comes “too late” after years of what he described as one-sided trade.
In a statement posted on the social media site Truth Social, US President said that India has long imposed the highest tariffs on US goods compared to any other country, severely affecting the ability of American companies to sell their products in the Indian market.
He claimed that New Delhi has offered to drop tariffs to zero, but it’s far too late. That offer should have come years ago.
Regarding the trade volume with India, Trump said that the United States sells very little to India, but the South Asian country exports a significant volume of goods to the US, making America one of India’s largest customers.
He further said that the trade relationship is “completely one-sided and a disaster.
President Trump also criticised India for buying most of its oil and military equipment from Russia, with only limited purchases from the Washington.
ALSO READ: US-India relations strained as Trump calls off planned visit
Earlier, President Trump has increased tariffs on Indian goods by up to 50%, following the failure to finalize a trade deal. He also canceled a planned visit to India earlier this year.
It is worth mentioning that Trump has occasionally commented on the India-Pakistan conflict, offering mediation, a suggestion consistently rejected by the Modi-led Indian government.
