Jaishankar Rejects Trump’s ‘Zero Tariff’ Claim, Stresses Fair and Balanced India-US Trade Deal

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that India has offered a trade deal with "basically zero tariffs," emphasizing that negotiations between the two nations are ongoing and far from finalized.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Jaishankar underscored the complexity of trade discussions and cautioned against premature conclusions.

“Trade negotiations between India and the U.S. are still underway. These are complex issues, and nothing is agreed upon until everything is agreed,” Jaishankar said. “Any trade agreement must be balanced and serve the interests of both countries. That remains our expectation.”

His comments follow remarks made by President Trump during his visit to Doha, where he claimed India had made a significant concession on tariffs. “India offered the U.S. a deal, basically zero tariffs,” Trump stated during the second leg of his West Asia tour.

Trump’s Optimism on Trade Deal

This is not the first time President Trump has expressed confidence in sealing a deal with India. At a rally in Michigan on April 30, he had said, “India tariff talks are going great, think we'll have a deal soon,” reflecting his upbeat view on the negotiations.

However, officials on both sides have pointed to a more nuanced reality. Trade talks have been ongoing for months, focusing on bridging differences over tariffs and improving market access.

India's Latest Offer

According to a Reuters report dated May 9, India has proposed significant tariff reductions, potentially lowering the average tariff gap with the U.S. from around 13% to under 4%. If accepted, this would mark one of the most substantial alignments India has made with a major trade partner.

Sources close to the discussions reveal that India has offered to eliminate tariffs on 60% of U.S. goods in the first phase of the agreement. Additionally, the Indian government has proposed preferential access for up to 90% of American imports.

In return, India is seeking assurances from Washington to protect its exports from current and future tariff hikes—a commitment the U.S. has not yet fully extended, even to close allies such as the United Kingdom.

Temporary Relief Measures

Earlier, on April 10, the U.S. announced a temporary 90-day suspension of certain tariffs on Indian exports, a move seen as a gesture to maintain positive momentum in the negotiations. The relief is set to expire on July 9.

This came shortly after the Biden administration imposed sweeping new tariffs on April 2, affecting imports from nearly 60 countries, including India. Among the goods impacted were seafood and industrial metals, with some duties rising as high as 26%.

As trade talks continue, Jaishankar’s remarks underline India’s position: a final agreement must offer tangible benefits to both sides—not just headline-making concessions.