Title: Jaishankar Replies After Trump Claims India Offered Trade Deal with ‘Zero Tariff’
The India-US trade deal has been a topic of discussion for quite some time now, with both countries trying to reach an agreement that benefits both parties. Recently, US President Donald Trump claimed that India had offered a trade deal with “zero tariffs”, which sparked a wave of reactions from both sides. In response to this, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has clarified the situation, stating that the negotiations are still ongoing and nothing has been decided yet.
In an interview, Jaishankar was asked about the India-US trade deal and Trump’s claims regarding the same. He replied, “These are complicated negotiations. Nothing is decided till everything is. Any trade deal has to be mutually beneficial…Until that is done, any judgment on it would be premature.” This statement clearly indicates that the Indian government is not willing to comment on the deal until the negotiations are completed and a mutually beneficial agreement is reached.
The India-US trade deal has been a long-standing issue, with both countries trying to resolve their differences and reach an agreement. The talks between the two countries started in February 2018, but have been stalled due to the differences in tariffs and trade practices. The US has been pressing India to open up its market and reduce its tariffs, while India has been seeking more access to the US market for its dairy and pharmaceutical products.
Trump’s claim that India had offered a trade deal with “zero tariffs” has been met with skepticism by many, including India’s trade experts. They believe that the claim is exaggerated and that the negotiations are still ongoing. “It’s not possible for India to offer a trade deal with zero tariffs. It’s a complex issue and requires careful consideration,” said a trade expert, who wished to remain anonymous.
India has been trying to maintain a balance between its relationship with the US and its domestic economic interests. The country has been seeking more access to the US market for its dairy and pharmaceutical products, while also trying to protect its domestic industries. The Indian government has been cautious in its approach, not wanting to compromise on its domestic interests while still trying to maintain a good relationship with the US.
The India-US trade deal is not just about tariffs and trade practices, but also about cultural and strategic ties between the two countries. India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and the US is looking to strengthen its ties with the country to counterbalance the growing influence of China. The two countries have been working together on several issues, including counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, and climate change.
In conclusion, the India-US trade deal is still ongoing, and nothing has been decided yet. While Trump’s claim that India offered a trade deal with “zero tariffs” may have sparked excitement, it is important to remember that the negotiations are still in progress. As Jaishankar said, “Any trade deal has to be mutually beneficial…Until that is done, any judgment on it would be premature.” The Indian government is taking a cautious approach, trying to balance its domestic economic interests with its strategic ties with the US.
