Donald Trump hints at trade deal with India soon, says ‘have great respect for PM Modi’

GYEONGJU : US President Donald Trump on October 29 said he has “great respect” for Indian PM Shri Narendra Modi and hinted at a trade deal with India soon. “Going to do a trade deal with India,” said Trump at APEC CEOs Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea. During his speech, Trump spoke about his talks with Modi on the conflict with Pakistan. He described PM Modi as the “nicest looking guy” and “like a father”. “He’s (PM Modi) a killer in negotiations, he’s tough as hell,” Trump added.

Trump claimed at the CEOs summit that the US threatened to withhold a trade deal with India and Pakistan while the two nations were in conflict earlier this year.

Trump also claimed the US used trade and tariffs as tools for peace, not just in South Asia but in other global conflicts too.

He added that the US now plans to strike a trade deal with India, citing his “great respect and love” for Modi.

Trump said India and Pakistan could have faced a 250% tariff if they hadn’t halted hostilities.

Five rounds of talks have been completed so far for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement between the US and India.

US has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports.

New Delhi has been resisting US demands to allow market access for American grains and dairy, citing the need to protect the livelihoods of small farmers.

Source : Moneycontrol