Engaged with US, expect no tariff threat: Officials

The Trump administration's decision to impose higher tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China is unlikely to have any immediate direct impact on India's external economy, and as India and America are closely engaged to resolve differences through dialogue, no direct future threat is expected, people aware of the development said.

- Rajeev Jayaswal and Rezaul H Laskar

NEW DELHI:

As far as Mexico and Canada are concerned, the Trump administration's measures are more because of an influx of illegal migrants from across the border as was the case with Colombia that was resolved after the Colombian government agreed to take back illegal immigrants, the people said requesting anonymity.

The difference between the US and China is quite complex and real trade issues are involved. Besides the US has accused China of indulging in currency manipulations and technological espionage, one of them said.

While India deals with any issues raised by its partners on priority and accords special strategic importance to the US, Washington hasn't raised any specific and substantial trade issues, the person cited above said.

"Washington has issued warnings to BRICS countries where India is also a member along with Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa. But India is not part of any such move," he said. "The India-US relationship is based on mutual trust," he said, adding that New Delhi is not contemplating any moves to upset Washington.