US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, during her visit to Delhi, addressed President Donald Trump's tariff threats on India, emphasizing that a "direct dialogue at the very top" between New Delhi and Washington is paving the way for a constructive approach to economic disagreements. Speaking with ANI Editor Smita Prakash, Gabbard highlighted that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump are committed to finding solutions that benefit their respective economies while fostering a stronger bilateral relationship, despite the rising tension over trade policies.
Gabbard acknowledged that while the tariff dispute has drawn significant attention, Indian officials she interacted with expressed optimism about leveraging this challenge to explore new opportunities for economic collaboration. She praised the leadership on both sides, noting that the ongoing conversations between high-ranking officials, including cabinet members and senior trade representatives, are crucial in defining the way forward. Gabbard emphasized that this high-level engagement reflects a serious commitment from both nations to not only resolve the current standoff but also to prevent similar disputes from arising in the future.
She reiterated that PM Modi is prioritizing India’s economic interests and opportunities for its citizens, particularly focusing on expanding manufacturing, exports, and job creation. At the same time, she acknowledged Trump’s determination to protect American businesses and workers, ensuring that US exports are not unfairly restricted in international markets. Gabbard framed this dynamic as a reflection of two pragmatic leaders seeking mutually beneficial outcomes, rather than allowing the tariff dispute to derail broader cooperation on strategic, technological, and defense partnerships.
The tension escalated after Trump’s recent threats of reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect from April 2, targeting India and other key US trading partners. He has repeatedly criticized India’s "massive tariffs," labeling its trade policies as overly restrictive and unfair to American exporters. Earlier, he claimed that India had agreed to lower tariffs on American goods, suggesting that his administration’s tough stance was finally "exposing" inequitable practices. Trump specifically pointed to high duties on products like American motorcycles and agricultural exports as examples of the imbalance.
The US remains India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade hitting a record $118.2 billion last year. Gabbard stressed that this economic partnership is essential for trade and global stability, innovation, and technological advancements. She credited the positive tone set by Modi and Trump’s White House meeting for fostering a robust dialogue and encouraging both sides to push forward with negotiations in good faith. She described their personal rapport as a cornerstone for advancing US-India ties, reinforcing that both nations share a vision for a stronger, more balanced economic relationship that extends beyond the immediate tariff debate.
Gabbard further highlighted that the US and India’s strategic relationship transcends trade, extending into crucial areas such as defense cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, clean energy, and space exploration. She underscored that the tariff issue, while significant, is only one facet of a much larger and dynamic partnership that has the potential to reshape global power structures and economic networks in the 21st century.
Gabbard’s visit — her first as a top official in the Trump administration — is seen as a significant diplomatic gesture. Her remarks, stressing cooperation over conflict, indicate a push to de-escalate tensions and keep the focus on long-term strategic and economic collaboration between the two countries. Observers believe her presence in New Delhi signals a deliberate effort by Washington to reassure India of its commitment to strengthening ties, even as both sides work through contentious trade issues. The visit also serves to reinforce India’s importance as a key US ally in the Indo-Pacific region, where both nations are increasingly collaborating to counterbalance China’s growing influence.
In closing, Gabbard expressed optimism that the ongoing dialogue would lead to a resolution that benefits both economies. She reiterated that the US-India partnership is built on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and a vision for a prosperous future — one where trade disputes are managed through dialogue and diplomacy, rather than escalating into prolonged economic conflicts.
