'Both nations keen to maximise opportunities, talks happening at highest level': Tulsi Gabbard on Trump's tariff regime

Tulsi Gabbard (Image Courtesy: ANI)

Director of National Intelligence of the United States Tulsi Gabbard who is in India as part of a multi-nation visit in an interview to ANI said India and the Unites States are engaged in a dialogue at the highest level and also at the level of secretaries on the issue pertaining to tariffs.

India had hoped for an exemption from US President Donald Trump's harsh tariff measures, but Trump has repeatedly stated that India, with its high tariff structure, will not be granted special treatment. New Delhi is currently accelerating efforts to finalise its offer to seal a BTA with the US, balancing its sensitivities while addressing Washington’s key demands. In a joint announcement last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump declared their intention to complete the first phase of a mutually-beneficial BTA in seven-eight months.

Responding to a question on Trump's tariff regime and where does the issue fit itself in context of evolving India-US ties, she replied that her meeting with the Indian officials were extremely positive and the dispensation thinks that there is a tremendous scope for deepening of bilateral ties. She also added that she is glad to find out that Indian officials are looking at the issue from a positive angle and

Gabbard, in a pronounced manner, also declared that both leaders (PM Modi and President Trump) are looking to formulate policies in a way that is in the best interest of both the nations. "Two leaders have commonsense and are looking for good solutions," remarked Gabbard.

There is a direct dialogue happening at the very top level and also at the level of various secretaries to lay out a clear path for both the nations. The private sector in both the nations are keen to maximise the opportunities that are being provided by good leadership in bot the nations.

Trump’s tariffs, particularly those targeting pharmaceuticals and jewellery—sectors where India has established export capabilities—create precisely the kind of pressure that could catalyse change. When coupled with India’s recent announcement of potential tariff relaxations, this may be the beginning of a strategic pivot in India’s economic policy.