Trade talks happening at very top: Tulsi Gabbard

NEW DELHI: US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard has expressed optimism about strengthening economic and trade ties between India and the US, and stating that "direct dialogue is happening at the very top" to bolster relations, and that President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi are seeking "good solutions".
"What I have heard from Indian govt officials I have spoken to in the last few days is that there is an opportunity to see more potential for strengthening our economic relationship. I am glad to see that they are viewing it in a more positive light, rather than focusing solely on the negative aspect of tariffs," said the US' director of national intelligence (DNI) in an interview to news agency ANI when asked about the tariffs issue which has triggered anxiety and hurt financial markets worldwide.
Trump has threatened to impose what he calls reciprocal tariffs on India and identified New Delhi as a country which charges high tariffs.
"Obviously PM Modi is looking out for what is in the best interest of India's economy and the opportunities available for the people of India. President Trump is doing the same for the US, our economic interests and interests of American people," she said.

The US intelligence chief, who is on a visit to India, said talks between the two countries at the highest level will help prepare the way forward. "So, what I see as a great positive is that we have two leaders who have common sense and who are looking for good solutions. This direct dialogue happening at the very top in both of our countries but also at the different secretaries and the cabinet members is going to be key to lay down what that path forward really looks like," said Gabbard.
She said there was huge interest among private sector in both countries to strengthen ties and explore areas of cooperation. "Personally, I am excited because there is keen interest in the private sector here in India and in the US to seek out those opportunities and to maximise them."
US and India are working on a bilateral trade pact and govt is hopeful of a "win-win" deal. An Indian official had told TOIthe deal is expected to see import duties being cut on both sides, a move that is expected to help blunt any impact of the reciprocal tariffs. Commerce minister Piyish Goyal has held talks with US trade officials including commerce secretary Howard Lutnick and more negotiations are planned to arrive at a mutually beneficial trade deal.