In a Fox Information interview, U.S. President Donald Trump lavished reward on Pakistanis as “good folks” who make “unimaginable merchandise” at the same time as a looming 29% tariff threatens to hit Pakistani exports arduous.
“They might like to commerce with the U.S.,” Trump mentioned, ignoring the truth that Pakistan already exports over $5 billion price of products to America whereas shopping for solely $2.1 billion in return.
However whereas Trump prolonged a heat hand to Islamabad, he saved his gloves on for India. Calling New Delhi one of many “highest tariff nations on the earth,” Trump claimed India had provided to get rid of all tariffs on U.S. items. “Are you aware they’re prepared to chop 100% of their tariffs for the US?” he mentioned, earlier than instantly downplaying the urgency: “That’ll come quickly. I’m in no rush.”
The feedback come amid stalled commerce talks with India and a brief pause on the 27% U.S. tariffs imposed on Indian imports in April. India has since lowered duties on choose U.S. items like bourbon and bikes, however a broader deal stays elusive. Exterior Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pushed again on Trump’s declare, saying negotiations are “advanced” and that any settlement should be “mutually helpful.”
Trump’s commerce diplomacy took an much more strategic flip when he claimed credit score for utilizing commerce as a device to defuse tensions between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan. “That was going to be a nuclear conflict, I feel or shut,” Trump mentioned, referring to ceasefire efforts he claims had been tied to financial bargaining. “I’m utilizing commerce to settle scores and make peace.”
As Washington prepares to reset tariffs on a number of buying and selling companions within the coming weeks, Trump’s feedback have reignited issues in India over the unpredictability of his “America First” doctrine — one which praises strategic rivals whereas protecting democratic allies like India on edge.
