Trump Repeats the Tariff Talk, But Jaishankar Isn’t Having It
Trump’s Claim: A Familiar Tune, But Is It True?
So, Donald Trump’s at it again. On the campaign trail, he confidently declared, “India charges us huge tariffs. We charge them nothing.” If you’ve followed U.S.–India relations for even a minute, you’ve probably heard this song before.
But here’s the thing: that claim? Not exactly grounded in reality.
Jaishankar Didn’t Hold Back
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, didn’t let this slide. In his calm yet razor-sharp tone, he responded, saying India isn't some tariff villain.
“India is not a tariff outlier,” he stated. “We’ve reduced tariffs according to WTO norms. Let’s not oversimplify complex trade relations for political convenience.”
Ouch. That’s a diplomatic mic drop if there ever was one.
Let’s Break It Down – What’s Really Going On?
Trump’s go-to example is Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Yes, India did have a 100% duty on them once. But guess what? That dropped to 50% years ago. And hardly anyone in India buys Harleys anyway—so it’s mostly symbolic.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has its own barriers. From FDA restrictions on Indian spices to regulatory walls around pharma exports, it’s not all open gates on their side either.
Trade, like any relationship, is messy. You can’t boil it down to one-liners.
Why It Matters Right Now
This isn’t just political back-and-forth. It’s about how two major democracies engage. India today isn’t the silent partner it once was. Jaishankar’s pushback signals a shift—we’re ready to talk, but not take jabs quietly.
FAQs
Q. Did India really reduce tariffs on U.S. goods?
A. Yes. Tariffs on items like high-end motorcycles were cut from 100% to 50% in 2018.
Q.Does the U.S. also restrict Indian exports?
A. Absolutely. Through regulatory measures and quality control standards, many Indian goods face export challenges.
Final Take
Honestly, this was more than just Trump being Trump. It was a reminder that India’s global voice is clearer and more confident than ever.
