‘My Decision Brought Bitterness’—Trump’s Rare Acceptance on Indo-US Ties

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump has admitted that imposing tariffs on India (Trump Tariffs) has soured relations between the two countries. Trump said that he imposed a 50 percent tariff on India for buying oil from Russia, which had a negative impact on bilateral relations. Trump said, "India is their (Russia's) biggest customer. That's why I had to impose a 50 percent tariff on India. It was not an easy decision."

After the imposition of tariffs, protests against America have also been seen in India. Trump admitted that this step has caused tension with India. Due to this, the two countries are unable to agree on a trade deal. America's condition is that India should open the agriculture and dairy sector for American companies, only then will the tariff be reduced.

It is worth noting that the US had earlier imposed a 25 percent tariff on India, which was increased to 50 percent from August 27. The bilateral trade between the two countries is around $190 billion every year. Trump had indicated on Tuesday that he was considering talking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this issue.