'We are making a lot of money': Trump says India once 'took advantage' of US, claims trade setup has reversed
US President Donald Trump has said India had for years taken advantage of the US through high tariffs, but claimed the situation has now reversed and that Washington is benefiting from trade with New Delhi.
“For years, India took advantage of the United States…They charged us tremendous tariffs and paid nothing,” Trump said. “Now it is the exact reverse and we are making a lot of money with India.”
#WATCH | President Donald Trump says, “For years, India took advantage of the United States… They charged us tremendous tariffs and paid nothing… Now it is the exact reverse and we are making a lot of money with India. But we will get to a deal because I like your Prime… pic.twitter.com/IR2x2MqUV5
— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2026
Trump expressed confidence that the two countries would soon reach a trade agreement, now in its final stages, after one of the rockiest years in US-India ties.
“We will get to a deal because I like your Prime Minister a lot; he is a good friend of mine, and we get along well. We have a good relationship,” he said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A trade delegation from Washington was in New Delhi from June 2 to June 4. The discussion also took place amid a looming threat of an additional 12.5% tariff on Indian exports to the US.
The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said it was a measure proposed targeting countries that Washington says have failed to prohibit imports made with forced labour. India is among a group of countries proposed to face the higher additional duty, alongside China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Switzerland.
Under such circumstances, former Indian envoys believe it is better not to sign the interim trade deal.
“Better not to have a bad deal and instead wait for some more time to iron out those differences,” former Ambassador Anil Trigunayat told CNBC-TV18.
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