The Wire Staff 
New Delhi: Close on the heels of US president Donald Trump saying that he plans to introduce 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the US, Reuters has reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing tariff cuts ahead of his meeting with Trump later this week.
“Any steel coming into the United States is going to have a 25% tariff,” he told reporters on Air Force One a day ago, according to AP. When asked about aluminium, he responded, “aluminium, too” will be subject to the trade penalties.
The proposed tariffs could hurt India, even though it is not one of the largest exporters of iron and steel products to the US.
Three unnamed officials who spoke to Reuters said India is considering tariff cuts in at least a dozen sectors, from electronics to medical and surgical equipment, and chemicals, “to boost US exports in line with New Delhi’s domestic production plans.”
The officials also said that concessions were being considered on items that India usually buys from the US or is looking to buy, like dish antennas and wood pulp.
Officials told Reuters that the Indian government is in a “wait and watch” mode and is hoping for a “mini trade deal” to be signed after talks between Modi and Trump.
The European Union, meanwhile, has said it has “not received any official notification” of extra duties to be imposed on exports.