U.S. President Donald Trump announced in Doha that India has offered a trade deal with zero tariffs.

Speaking at a business meeting in Doha, President Donald Trump revealed that India has offered a trade deal eliminating tariffs on U.S. exports as New Delhi seeks to secure a comprehensive agreement during a 90-day tariff pause announced by Trump last month.

“It is very hard to sell in India, and they are offering us a deal where basically they are willing to literally charge us no tariffs,” Trump told executives, suggesting the offer marked a major shift in Indian trade policy.

According to Reuters, the proposed agreement includes duty-free access on 60% of tariff lines in its initial phase and preferential access for nearly 90% of American goods currently imported by India. The Indian trade ministry declined to comment on the offer.

Trump’s remarks triggered a rally in Indian markets, pushing equity benchmarks to their highest level in seven months.

However, the president also took aim at Apple, criticizing the company’s increasing investment in Indian manufacturing. Trump recounted a conversation with CEO Tim Cook, objecting to Apple's plan to produce most U.S.-bound iPhones in India by the end of 2026.

“Tim, we treated you very good, we put up with all the plants you built in China for years,” Trump said. “We are not interested in you building in India—India can take care of themselves, they are doing very well—we want you to build here.”

Apple suppliers in India have sharply increased output. In March, Foxconn and Tata exported a record $2 billion worth of iPhones to the U.S., a move widely seen as a response to rising U.S.-China trade tensions and anticipated tariff hikes.

India, which is among the world’s highest tariff jurisdictions, has long faced U.S. criticism. Trump has previously described India as a “tariff abuser” due to its restrictive import policies.

Despite trade tensions, the United States remains India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade hitting $129 billion in 2024. India currently runs a $45.7 billion surplus with Washington.

India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is set to lead a delegation to the U.S. on May 16 to push forward trade talks. Indian officials hope the zero-tariff proposal could pave the way for a deal that would boost exports, attract investment, and balance relations amid geopolitical shifts.

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