KIRAN DEEP
The North News
New Delhi, February 14
US President Donald Trump has criticised India’s high tariffs, calling it “one of the highest tariff countries” and vowing reciprocal measures. “But I mean what they charge, we are going to be charging them. It’s a simple system,” Trump said. He recalled how Harley-Davidson faced heavy tariffs in India, restricting its market access. Trump ruled out any tariff exemptions, stating, “Don’t expect any exemptions or waivers.” He claimed that “India imposes more tariffs than any other country.”
Despite trade tensions, Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s negotiation skills, calling him “much tougher” and “much better” than himself. The meeting also marked the launch of the US-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative, aimed at boosting cooperation in defense, AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, biotechnology, energy, and space. A key focus of the TRUST initiative is accelerating AI infrastructure in India, including financing, computing power, and regulatory alignment. Additionally, the leaders introduced INDUS Innovation, a program fostering US-India industry and academic collaboration in emerging technologies.
Both nations committed to resilient supply chains, boosting Indian manufacturing in pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and critical minerals. The Strategic Mineral Recovery initiative was also launched to enhance the processing of lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
On space cooperation, an Indian astronaut will visit the International Space Station (ISS) under a NASA-ISRO partnership. The upcoming NISAR satellite mission, set for a 2025 launch, will map Earth’s surface using dual radar technology.
The leaders pledged to strengthen US-India research ties, focusing on semiconductors, connected vehicles, machine learning, and telecom advancements. They also vowed to enhance technology commerce and counter unfair trade practices.
