US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that a US-India trade deal is within reach, while simultaneously accusing New Delhi of historically exploiting the US with high tariffs that he said are now being reversed.
The remarks come as a US trade delegation, led by chief negotiator Brendan Lynch, wrapped up a critical round of negotiations in India on Thursday.
“For years, India took advantage of the United States... They charged us tremendous tariffs and paid nothing... Now it is the exact reverse, and we are making a lot of money with India. But we will get to a deal because I like your Prime Minister a lot. He is a good friend of mine, and we get along well. We have a good relationship,” he said, addressing the media at the White House on Thursday.
Trump was answering a question about the India-US bilateral trade deal, which the US is pushing to conclude early.
The US President used the example of iconic American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson yet again to illustrate India’s high tariffs. “They wouldn’t let Harley-Davidson sell their bikes. They would charge 200 per cent tariffs. So Harley-Davidson was precluded. They ended up going to India and building their own plants, which is unfortunate that that happened, but it happens. It was before me,” Trump said.
