NEW DELHI: India doesn’t need to give any sign that it’s protectionist, the highest bureaucrat within the finance ministry stated, after slashing import duties on high-end bikes, amid US President Donald Trump’s strikes on tariffs.
Sunday’s remarks got here a day after Trump ignited a commerce conflict with sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. None have been aimed toward India, though Trump had referred to as it a tariff abuser throughout his election marketing campaign final yr.
“We do not need to give anyone any sign that we wish to be protectionist,” Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey instructed Reuters. “Our stance is that we do not need to improve safety.”
Commerce and immigration points will take centre-stage when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Trump this month.
India has been making an attempt to placate the Trump administration after it accused the South Asian nation of sustaining very excessive tariffs that damage prospects for American companies.
Trump’s administration has upped the ante by lately elevating the problem of undocumented Indians dwelling in america, a subject on which India’s international ministry has stated it’s in dialogue with US authorities.
India slashed customized duties on bikes with engine capability of 1,600 cc or extra to 30 per cent from 50 per cent on fully-built imports in Saturday’s funds, which Pandey stated additionally minimize its common stage of tariffs to 11 per cent from 13 per cent.
“We should always give the best sign for the world, in addition to to our personal trade,” Pandey added, saying the tariff measures aimed toward serving to home firms initially however could be phased out as these industries developed.
