 "US President Donald Trump. File image/AP")
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that Washington has reached a deal with Pakistan to help develop the country’s “massive” oil reserves. He noted that a leading company to spearhead the project is yet to be selected, and even suggested that Pakistan might one day sell oil to India.
“We have just concluded a Deal with the Country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive Oil Reserves. We are in the process of choosing the Oil Company that will lead this Partnership. Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling Oil to India some day!” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.
The announcement came shortly after Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff and additional penalties on Indian imports, citing India’s continued energy ties with Russia.
‘We’re very busy’: Trump on ongoing trade talks
In the same post, Trump said he had spoken with several world leaders looking to strengthen trade relations with the United States. He claimed that multiple countries were offering tariff cuts, which he believes will significantly reduce the US trade deficit.
“We are very busy in the White House today working on Trade Deals. I have spoken to the Leaders of many Countries, all of whom want to make the United States ‘extremely happy’,” he wrote.
Trump added that he would be meeting with a South Korean trade delegation later in the day. “South Korea is right now at a 25% Tariff, but they have an offer to buy down those Tariffs. I will be interested in hearing what that offer is.”
“Likewise, other Countries are making offers for a Tariff reduction. All of this will help reduce our Trade Deficit in a very major way. A full report will be released at the appropriate time. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
US-India trade talks ‘ongoing, hints Trump
Separately, speakin at a White House press conference, Trump confirmed that trade discussions with India were underway, even as tariffs were imposed.
“We are negotiating, and we’ll see what happens,” he said, when asked whether the US was open to resolving the dispute through talks. He described India as one of the highest tariff-imposing countries in the world.
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More Shorts“We’re talking to them now. We’ll see what happens,” Trump repeated.