Trump Claims India Offered Zero-Tariff Trade Deal
U.S. President Donald Trump has made a striking claim during a business event in Doha, stating that India has offered to eliminate tariffs entirely on American goods as part of a potential trade agreement. The assertion comes at a time when both countries are actively exploring options to recalibrate their trade relationship and resolve ongoing tariff disputes.
Trump remarked, “It is very hard to sell in India, and they are offering us a deal where basically they are willing to literally charge us no tariffs.” The comment indicates a possible breakthrough in India-U.S. trade discussions, especially following the 90-day tariff pause announced by Trump earlier in April. This pause had temporarily suspended a 26 percent tariff hike that would have affected key Indian exports.
The bilateral trade between India and the United States stood at approximately $129 billion in 2024, with India enjoying a surplus of nearly $45.7 billion. This surplus has long been a point of contention for the U.S., which has sought to rebalance trade terms. India, in response, had previously offered to reduce its tariff differential from 13 percent to below 4 percent in a bid to secure an exemption from both current and prospective American tariffs.
India US Trade Dynamics
India’s growing economic reliance on trade with the U.S. has pushed New Delhi to propose more favorable terms in hopes of preserving access to American markets. The promise of zero tariffs, if realized, would be a dramatic shift in policy and could signal a new phase of trade liberalization between the two countries.
While no official confirmation has yet come from Indian authorities regarding Trump’s latest remarks, the proposal—if accurate—would mark one of the most significant steps India has taken to accommodate U.S. trade concerns. It would also strategically counterbalance China’s influence in global trade by strengthening Indo-American commercial ties.
Zero Tariffs Proposal
The notion of a zero-tariff trade agreement is rare and ambitious, particularly between economies of such divergent structures. Such a move would not only facilitate a greater influx of U.S. goods into the Indian market but also potentially invite reciprocal benefits for Indian exports entering the American market with reduced barriers.
Trump Deal Impact on Markets
The Indian stock market responded enthusiastically to Trump’s remarks. The Sensex surged over 1,300 points as investor sentiment was buoyed by the prospect of a favorable trade pact with the U.S. Market analysts interpreted the statement as a sign that diplomatic engagement on trade had intensified and that a resolution may be near.
As negotiations continue in the backdrop of shifting global trade alliances and economic uncertainties, all eyes remain on how both governments proceed with this potential zero-tariff framework. Whether Trump’s comments translate into concrete policy shifts remains to be seen, but the message is clear: the India-U.S. trade axis could be headed for a significant transformation.
