Washington: The administration of former US President Donald Trump described the proposed trade deal with India as highly beneficial to American interests. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a press briefing that India has agreed to purchase approximately $500 billion worth of energy, transportation, and agricultural products from the United States. According to her, this agreement would directly benefit American workers, industries, and consumers.
US Claims on Russian Oil
During the press briefing, Leavitt also stated that India has assured the US that it will stop buying crude oil from Russia and has committed to purchasing energy products from the United States in the future. She also claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed $500 billion in investment in the US.
Agreement Reached After Modi-Trump Conversation
According to Leavitt, this understanding emerged after a direct phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The White House has linked this to a strategy of strengthening the American economy and reducing India’s dependence on Russian energy.
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Tariff Reduction Announced
Donald Trump himself announced details of this trade agreement. He declared a reduction in US tariffs imposed on India from 50 percent to 18 percent. However, some of the claims made by the US do not yet appear to have clear agreement from India.
Many Questions Remain Unanswered
Several aspects of the trade deal are currently unclear. Experts believe that a $500 billion purchase from the US by India is not practically feasible within the existing trade framework. Concerns remain in India, particularly regarding American agricultural and dairy products. Union Minister Piyush Goyal has already stated that the interests of the agriculture and dairy sectors will not be compromised.
Russia’s Reaction
Russia has also reacted to the US claims regarding India’s imports of Russian oil. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that they have not received any official indication from India that it is going to stop buying Russian oil.
