Trump's Bold Claim on India Trade Deal

US President Donald Trump made headlines on Tuesday with his announcement that India has agreed to eliminate tariffs on American imports, a move he claims is solely because of his influence. Speaking at the White House alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump stated, "They wouldn’t have done this for anybody else but me."

Details Remain Unclear

Despite the bold assertion, Trump provided no specifics regarding which sectors or goods would be affected by this supposed agreement. Meanwhile, India has yet to officially confirm any such developments as trade negotiations with the US continue.

A Conditional Proposal on the Table

Sources close to the negotiations reveal that India has proposed a zero-tariff arrangement for certain products, including steel, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals. However, this would come with conditions such as import volume caps and mutual reciprocity, with standard duties reinstated if thresholds are exceeded.

Addressing Quality and Regulatory Concerns

The US has expressed concerns over India's Quality Control Orders (QCOs), which set technical standards for products. These regulations are seen as barriers to US exports. In response, Indian authorities have shown willingness to review QCOs in sectors like medical devices and chemicals and have suggested a mutual recognition agreement to ease regulatory compliance.