Washington/New Delhi, Feb 2 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed the India-US trade agreement, following the telephone conversation between PM Modi and President Trump.
Jaishankar, who is in the US, wrote on X:
“Welcome the announcements on bilateral trade following the conversation between PM @narendramodi and President @realDonaldTrump.
“This will create more jobs, spur growth and promote innovation in both economies. It will strengthen ‘Make in India’ endeavors and encourage trusted technology ties. The opportunities in our economic engagement are truly vast and we are confident of realizing them.
“A robust economic relationship is the strongest foundation for our strategic partnership.”
Jaishankar in the US to participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Ministerial will focus on supply chain resilience, clean energy transitions, and strategic cooperation in critical minerals.
During the visit, he will also hold meetings with senior members of the US administration.
Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, in a post on X, lauded the India-US trade deal.
"A big WIN for a consequential partnership under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi @narendramodi and President Donald Trump @POTUS "India and USA announce trade deal creating vast new opportunities for the two economies and the people of our two great nations. Today’s announcements herald an exciting new phase in our partnership."
President Trump said the two leaders had agreed to the trade deal "effective immediately" whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%.
The US on Monday slashed tariffs on India to 18 per cent, from the high of 50 per cent, following telephone talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.
The Trump administration had slapped 50 per cent punitive tariffs on India, including 25 per cent for its purchase of Russian oil. The US Embassy spokesperson Christopher Elms said "the final tariff on Indian goods is now 18 percent".
UNI RN