U.S. President Donald Trump once again signaled his intent to escalate trade tensions, posting an early morning message on Truth Social that underscored his commitment to imposing “reciprocal tariffs.”
The post, made at 6:46 AM EST (5:16 PM IST) on Thursday, came just hours before his scheduled meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C. In characteristic self-congratulatory style, Trump wrote:
The message not only reaffirmed Trump’s well-documented stance on tariffs but also hinted at what could dominate his discussions with PM Modi—import duties and trade imbalances.
According to the White House, Trump’s “reciprocal tariff” plan was expected to be unveiled before his meeting with Modi, adding another layer of anticipation to the diplomatic talks.
Trump has long favored using tariffs as a tool of economic leverage, often arguing that they help balance trade deficits and protect American industries. His administration had previously imposed tariffs on several countries, including China, the European Union, and even India, citing unfair trade practices.
His latest announcement suggests a renewed push to implement similar policies, potentially impacting global trade relations yet again.
With PM Modi set to meet Trump later in the day, discussions on bilateral trade, tariffs, and market access are expected to be high on the agenda. India and the U.S. have historically had trade disputes, particularly over agriculture, digital taxation, and tariffs on American goods.
While Modi and Trump have shared a strong personal rapport in the past, it remains to be seen how India’s trade interests will align with Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy.
The president is also set to hold a news conference at 1:00 PM EST (11:30 PM IST), where he is likely to elaborate on his reciprocal tariffs plan. The announcement will be closely watched, as it could signal new trade challenges for major global economies, including India.