New York/Washington- The US is“pretty close” to reaching a“fair trade deal” with India, President Donald Trump has said, adding that he will lower the tariffs imposed on New Delhi“at some point.”

“We're making a deal with India, much different deal than we had in the past. So right now, they don't love me, but they'll love us again,” Trump said on Monday.

He made the remarks during a ceremony in the Oval Office, where Sergio Gor was sworn in as America's Ambassador to India by US Vice President J D Vance.

“We're getting a fair deal, just a fair trade deal. We had pretty unfair trade deals. They're very good negotiators, Sergio, so you have to take a look at that, if you would please,” Trump said.

“But we're getting close. Scott, I think we're pretty close to doing a deal that's good for everybody,” Trump said to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was present in the Oval Office for the swearing-in ceremony.“That's right,” Bessent responded to Trump.

“In the old days, do you think (former US President Joe) Biden would ask that question? I don't think so. 'How are we doing with India?' He didn't know about India. He didn't know a damn thing. That's okay,” Trump said.

Trump was asked about the trade deal with India and whether he is willing to consider lowering the current tariff rate imposed on Delhi.

“Well, right now the tariffs are very high on India because of the Russian oil, and they've stopped doing the Russian oil. It's been reduced very substantially. Yeah, we're going to be bringing the tariffs down,” Trump said.

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