Summary of Important News Items and Editorials-94
Summary of Important News Items and Editorials-94
THE HINDU DATED 04TH FABRUARY 2026.
1. U.S. tariff on India cut to 18%: core features of the deal
The main story reports that after a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, Washington has agreed to cut the special 50% tariff on Indian goods to about 18%. The earlier rate had combined punitive and reciprocal duties and badly hurt Indian exports in sectors such as textiles, leather, engineering goods and gems and jewellery. The announcement is framed as the settling of a “trade war” and the beginning of a new phase in bilateral ties, coming on the heels of India’s FTA with the EU. The logic from Delhi’s side is that lower tariffs will restore competitiveness and attract greater investment into export-oriented manufacturing. Politically, both leaders project the agreement as a personal achievement,
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