'Make in India, a concern for US-India trade': Senior US official ahead of Trump's visit

Just days ahead of US President Donald Trump's much-anticipated visit to India, a senior administration official has said that India's protectionist policy has remained a concern for United States with respect to trade deal between two countries adding that "Make in India" campaign makes discussion on trade "more difficult".

" protectionism policy has been a concern for us. We have had a number of anuncements coming from India which are making discussions more difficult perhaps," official told.

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" recent one being 'Make in India' anuncement, (which) has made protectionism concern even greater. re has been an increase and t a decrease of concerns and this would certainly come up among leaders," official added.

official also mentioned union budget of India stating that tariffs raised on products of American interest may also come up in discussion among two leaders. "We have seen India's budget process, it (India) recently raised tariffs on products of interest to US," official said.

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US President has also earlier mentioned that New Delhi has been hitting Washington hard with tariffs for many years but his fondness for PM Modi, he added that new trade deals will likely be done.

"Great new trade deals will likely be done. I am going to India next week. y have been hitting us hard for many many years but I really like Prime Minister Modi. We'll talk a little business. y give us tariffs one of highest in world. But I hear y gonna have 10 million people showing up along one of largest stadiums in world."

With regards to Trump's statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on India-US trade deal has said that India has been engaging with US for quite some time and India hopes to reach an understanding with an outcome that strikes right balance for both sides.

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