Trump Cuts India Tariffs to 18% After Modi Call: The Inside Story

• US President Donald Trump announced a reduction in tariffs on Indian products from 50% to 18% following a phone call with PM Narendra Modi.
• Trump cited the deal as a step towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war, claiming India agreed to buy US oil instead of Russian oil.
• PM Modi thanked Trump for the tariff reduction, emphasizing mutual benefits and global peace, but did not confirm claims about Russian oil or $500 billion purchases.
• Experts suggest India's recent EU trade deal pressured the US to negotiate, aiming to boost American exports and reduce Russia's income.
• While the tariff reduction is clear, Trump's claims about India reducing its tariffs to zero, buying $500 billion in US goods, and stopping Russian oil purchases remain unconfirmed by the Indian government.

Why It Matters: Trump's sudden tariff cut for India, driven by strategic and economic factors, signals a new phase in US-India trade relations.