In a significant development in US-India trade relations, former US President Donald Trump claimed that India has proposed a trade agreement that would impose “basically zero tariffs” on a wide range of American products. The announcement was made during Trump’s visit to Doha as part of his West Asia tour, according to a Reuters report.

“India offered the US a deal—basically zero tariffs,” Trump said, suggesting substantial progress in the ongoing negotiations between Washington and New Delhi.

Just a day earlier, while speaking in Michigan, Trump had expressed optimism about the state of trade talks with India. He described the discussions as “going great” and hinted at the possibility of a deal being finalized soon. These remarks coincided with the issuance of a new executive order aimed at strengthening the US auto industry.

In an earlier move, the US had temporarily suspended additional tariffs on Indian exports for a 90-day period, from April 10 to July 9, to give space for negotiations to continue. This came in the wake of Trump’s sweeping decision on April 2 to impose universal tariffs on imports from nearly 60 countries, which included a 26% tariff on key Indian exports such as shrimp and steel.

These protectionist measures were part of Trump’s broader strategy to reduce the US trade deficit and revitalize domestic manufacturing. However, they have significantly impacted Indian exporters, particularly in the seafood and metal industries.

If the zero-tariff proposal is finalized, it could mark a major reset in US-India trade relations, easing tensions and providing relief to exporters on both sides ahead of the July negotiation deadline.