US President Donald Trump suggested that India offered to reduce tariffs on American products to 0%, as the Asian country negotiates a deal to avoid higher import taxes. Trump made these remarks today (May 15, 2025) during a business event in Doha, Qatar, while on his Middle East tour. Trump did not provide further details about the apparent offer from New Delhi, which has not been officially recognized by Indian officials. “It’s very hard to sell in India and they offered us a deal where they are essentially willing to charge us practically no tariffs,” Trump stated. India was one of the first countries to initiate trade negotiations with the US after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House in February, with both sides agreeing to finalize the first phase of a bilateral agreement by fall. The Indian Trade Minister is expected to meet with Trump administration officials in the US from May 17 to 20 for further negotiations. Trump’s comments came amid growing disappointment in New Delhi over the American president’s announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after four days of conflict and his insistence on using trade as a negotiating tool to secure the truce. The Republican also mentioned today that he spoke with Apple CEO Tim Cook discussing Apple’s plans to build manufacturing facilities in India for its iPhone production, attempting to discourage such expansion. “I said I don’t want you to build in India,” Trump emphasized. “India can take care of itself; it’s doing very well.” As a result of their discussion, Trump claimed that Apple will “increase its production in the United States.”
Trump Claims India Offered Zero Tariffs on US Goods
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