Subhechcha Ganguly 
U.S. President Donald Trump has clarified that Washington is “not looking for leverage” in its ongoing negotiations over tariff rates, including with India, where a 25% blanket tariff currently applies. Speaking to reporters in Pennsylvania on Sunday night, Trump said his administration is pursuing “fairness” in trade, not coercion, and reiterated that his tariff policies would generate “hundreds of billions of dollars” for the U.S. economy.
He also took a swipe at former President Joe Biden, accusing him of economic mismanagement. Trump’s remarks come as the U.S. remains in active trade discussions with several countries. Despite his criticism of India’s trade ties with Russia — calling both nations’ economies “dead” — a sixth round of U.S.-India trade talks is expected to take place in August.
According to reports, both nations are moving toward an early trade agreement by the end of the month, within the framework established on March 29, regardless of the ongoing political rhetoric. Trump has consistently pushed for a shift in global trade dynamics, arguing that American manufacturers face unfair disadvantages due to cheaper foreign imports and higher tariffs imposed by developing nations.
