Fri Mar 28 20:51:11 UTC 2025: ## Trump Expresses Optimism on India-US Tariff Talks, Praises Modi
**Washington D.C.** – Former US President Donald Trump expressed confidence Friday in ongoing trade negotiations with India, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony, Trump called Modi “a very smart man and a great friend,” adding that he believed the talks would result in a mutually beneficial agreement. His comments follow Modi’s visit to the US in February where the two leaders announced plans for a bilateral trade agreement.
Trump’s positive assessment comes amidst a backdrop of significant trade policy announcements. Just a day earlier, Trump announced a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles entering the US, effective April 2nd, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. This follows previous pronouncements of reciprocal tariffs on countries including India and China, in response to what Trump described as unfairly high tariffs imposed on US goods. Trump specifically cited India’s high auto import tariffs as a key issue. While he previously stated the intention to implement reciprocal tariffs before the COVID-19 pandemic, his recent comments suggest a shift towards a more collaborative approach with India.
First Piper 