 "US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, DC, US, on February 13, 2025. Reuters")
US President Donald Trump on Friday (March 28) lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he was a “smart man” and “a great friend of mine,” but added India was “one of the highest-tariffing nations in the world”
While talking to reporters in the White House, the US leader expected talks on tariffs between the two countries to work out very well.
“Prime Minister Modi was here just recently, and we’ve always been very good friends. India is one of the highest tariffing nations in the world… They’re very smart,” Trump said while addressing reporters.
He added, “He (PM Modi) is a very smart man and a great friend of mine. We had very good talks. I think it’s going to work out very well between India and our country. And I want to say you have a great prime minister.”
Earlier this week, PM Modi was asked about his relationship with President Trump. He recalled a memorable moment from the ‘Howdy Modi’ rally during Trump’s first term, when Trump broke security protocol to take a lap around the stadium with him.
“I was touched by his courage and his trust in me,” he said during a podcast with American AI researcher Lex Fridman.
Trump has repeatedly called out India’s alleged high tariffs on US goods since assuming office in January.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsDuring an interview with Breitbart News earlier this month, Trump said that he believes India would reduce tariffs on American goods, news agency Reuters reported.
“I believe they are going to probably going to be lowering those tariffs substantially, but on April 2, we will be charging them the same tariffs they charge us,” Donald Trump was quoted as saying, reported Reuters.
Trump had previously described high tariff rates imposed by India as “unfair” , which might lead to a reduction of tariffs by India.