President Donald Trump on Wednesday delivered a subtle punch at India in announcing a trade deal with its rival Pakistan after slapping India with 25% tariffs over the country’s ties to U.S. rival Russia.
“We have just concluded a Deal with the Country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive Oil Reserves,” he said in a post on Truth Social.
“We are in the process of choosing the Oil Company that will lead this Partnership. Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling Oil to India some day!” he added.
The president’s statement comes after he penalized India with 25% tariffs due to their importing of Russian military munitions and energy the day prior.
While India and Pakistan are neighbors, they have been in conflict for decades. The most recent conflict between the two countries was a short skirmish in May before they reached a mutual ceasefire.
In the same Truth Social post, the president updated the American people on trade talks between the U.S. and South Korea. The U.S. is looking to enforce a 25% tariff against the country, but Trump says the South Koreans have a proposal to “buy down” the duties.
“I will be meeting with the South Korean Trade Delegation this afternoon. South Korea is right now at a 25% Tariff, but they have an offer to buy down those Tariffs. I will be interested in hearing what that offer is,” he said.
He later added that the trade deals will help reduce the American trade deficit and that other countries are also trying to make deals to reduce tariffs on their goods.
“Likewise, other Countries are making offers for a Tariff reduction. All of this will help reduce our Trade Deficit in a very major way. A full report will be released at the appropriate time,” Trump concluded.
TRUMP CALLS FOR PELOSI INVESTIGATION OVER INSIDER TRADING: ‘DISGRACEFUL’
The trade developments happen with the tariff deadline coming up on Friday. “THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE IS THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE — IT STANDS STRONG, AND WILL NOT BE EXTENDED,” Trump said earlier Wednesday.
Trump has brokered trade deals with the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, and the European Union, so far. More deals are expected by the Thursday deadline.
