‘By November 30…’
The CEA admitted that the imposition of a 50% tariff was “not anticipated” but added that Indian officials were “already at work”. The remarks came even as ties between the two countries appeared to thaw this week — with Trump hailing his “friend” Modi for doing “a tremendous job”.
“I still believe that geopolitical circumstances may have led to the second 25% tariff, but considering recent developments in the last couple of weeks and so on, I do believe that and I have no particular reason to say so it is my intuition that I do believe the penal tariff will not be there after November 30,” ANI quoted him as saying.
ALSO READIndian exports grew 6.7% in August despite Trump’s 50% tariff shock
Trump-Modi thaw
Ties between the countries had come under severe strain last month as the POTUS imposed a 50% tariff against India for its continued purchase of Russian oil. Top aides had also held New Delhi responsible for ongoing ‘bloodshed’ in Ukraine — claiming that India was indirectly financing the Russian war and being a “laundromat for the Kremlin”. President Trump heralded a thaw last week — referring to Modi as a close friend and reiterating the “special relationship” between the US and India. Both leaders had also pledged to resume talks and voiced confidence in unlocking the “limitless potential” of a trade relationship.
ALSO READ‘That’s a big deal’: Trump admits his 50% tariff ‘caused a rift with India’
“Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine!” the POTUS wrote on Truth Social earlier this week.
“Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict,” Modi responded via X.
ALSO READ‘He is doing a tremendous job’: Trump dials Modi to extend birthday wishes, thanks PM for ‘ending’ Ukraine war