Tue Apr 01 15:19:32 UTC 2025: ## Trump Claims India to Substantially Reduce Tariffs Ahead of Reciprocal Tariff Announcement

**Washington D.C.** – President Donald Trump has asserted that India will significantly lower tariffs on US imports, just one day before he is set to unleash reciprocal tariffs on a global scale. This claim, made during a White House press briefing, comes as the US prepares for what Trump has dubbed “Liberation Day” – April 2nd – when the new tariffs will take effect.

While Trump offered no evidence to support his assertion, he stated he had “heard” of India’s impending tariff reductions. No official confirmation has been issued by the Indian government. The President also dismissed concerns that his reciprocal tariffs would drive US allies closer to China, flatly stating, “No, it won’t.”

The announcement follows escalating tensions over trade imbalances. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier highlighted what she called unfair trade practices, citing India’s 100% tariff on US agricultural imports, as well as high tariffs imposed by the EU, Japan, and Canada on various US products. These tariffs, Leavitt argued, harm US businesses and workers.

India, however, has actively sought to de-escalate tensions. While vowing to retaliate against the US reciprocal tariffs, India has already taken steps to reduce tariffs on certain US goods, including Harley Davidson motorcycles and bourbon. Reuters reports suggest India has offered further tariff reductions on over half of US imports worth $23 billion, contingent on exemption from the reciprocal tariffs. India’s recent Union Budget also included tariff reductions on US solar cells, machinery, and luxury cars, alongside the removal of a 6% tax on digital advertisements, benefiting US tech giants. Negotiations for a comprehensive trade deal between the two nations are also progressing ahead of an autumn deadline. The coming days will reveal whether Trump’s claims regarding India’s tariff reductions hold true and how the global community reacts to the impending reciprocal tariffs.

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