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India-US Trade Deal Cuts Tariffs to 18%, BJP Hails "Tareef" and Optimism

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan praised the interim India-US trade framework that slashes tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%. He stated the deal, received with appreciation ('tareef'), creates optimism and safeguards agricultural and dairy interests. Kesavan criticized the Congress party for its "politics of pessimism" and hostility towards India's progress. The agreement covers sectors like textiles and machinery, with the US planning further tariff removals on items like pharmaceuticals.

Key Points: India-US Trade Pact Cuts Tariffs, BJP Hails Modi Leadership

  • Tariffs on Indian exports cut from 50% to 18%
  • Deal protects farmers and dairy sector
  • BJP criticizes Congress opposition
  • US to remove tariffs on more goods later
  • Covers textiles, chemicals, and machinery
2 min read

"Reduction in tariff received with tareef": BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan on India-US interim trade framework

BJP's CR Kesavan hails India-US trade deal reducing tariffs from 50% to 18%, criticizes Congress for "politics of pessimism."

"This paradigm-defining trade deal pioneered by PM Narendra Modi's astute leadership, empowers New India with a massive competitive advantage. - CR Kesavan"

Chennai, February 8

BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan on Sunday hailed the India-US Interim Trade Framework Agreement, which significantly reduces tariffs on Indian exported goods from 50 per cent to 18 per cent.

CR Kesavan said that the reduction has received 'tareef' (appreciation) from the people and there's a wave of optimism across the country.

"This paradigm-defining trade deal pioneered by PM Narendra Modi's astute leadership, empowers New India with a massive competitive advantage. The substantial and significant reduction in tariffs for Indian products has been received with 'tareef', appreciation, and the people are very buoyant, and there is a wave of optimism across the country," he said.

Kesavan assured that the interim framework secures and safeguards the interests of our agricultural and dairy sector and also protects the welfare of our farmers, fishermen, workers and skilled labourers.

Criticising Congress' opposition to the deal, Keshavan said that people are fed up with their "politics of pessimism", accusing the party of being "hostile" towards India's progress.

"As far as the Congress party's reaction to the trade deal is concerned, the people are fed up with the Congress' politics of pessimism. The Congress party is facing a credibility crisis because the people do not trust what Rahul Gandhi or the Congress party says. Congress is hostile when India progresses and there is development for India," he said.

According to the joint statement by the Ministry of Commerce and the White House, the United States will apply a reciprocal tariff rate of 18 per cent on goods originating in India, including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal products, and certain machinery.

Subject to the successful conclusion of the Interim Agreement, the US will remove the reciprocal tariff on a wide range of goods identified in the Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners Annex to Executive Order 14346 of September 5, 2025 (Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs and Establishing Procedures for Implementing Trade and Security Agreements), as amended, including generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good news for 'Make in India'. But the spokesperson's constant need to bash the opposition takes away from the actual policy. Can we just discuss the deal's merits? The protection for our agricultural sector is the most important part here.
R
Rohit P
Finally some good news for our small and medium industries! The inclusion of artisanal products and home decor is a big win. Our handicrafts can now compete better in the US market. Let's hope the benefits reach the actual karigars (craftsmen).
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the pharmaceutical export sector, the mention of removing tariffs on generic drugs in the future is the real game-changer. This could have a huge global health impact. Cautiously optimistic about the full agreement.
V
Vikram M
The deal sounds promising, but the devil is in the details. What did we concede to get this reduction? The article only mentions what the US will do. We need more transparency on the full terms. "Interim framework" means it's not final yet.
K
Kavya N
Appreciation (tareef) is well-deserved if this helps our fishermen and farmers directly. Too often, trade deals benefit big corporations. Hope the safeguards are strong and properly implemented. The optimism is good, but delivery is key. 🤞

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