New Delhi/Washington, July 7: US President Donald Trump’s country-specific tariffs are now scheduled to take effect from August 1, offering a temporary reprieve as trade talks intensified with several countries, including India.

Earlier, the US tariffs were set to take effect from July 9.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced the tariff reprieve on Sunday (US time) while speaking to the media. He noted that President Trump was “setting the rates and the deals right now”.

Trump told reporters that “I think we’ll have most countries wrapped up by July 9, either through letters or finalised agreements”, adding that notification letters warning of upcoming tariff hikes would begin going out from Monday (US time), with more expected to follow on Tuesday.

Trump said that sending notices would be much easier than “sitting down and working 15 different things…this is what you have to pay, if you want to do business with the United States.”

In April, Trump announced a base tariff of 10 per cent on most of America’s trading partners and thereafter additional duties ranging up to 50 per cent.

The US has announced trade deals with the United Kingdom and Vietnam so far, with some more trade deals apparently in the pipeline.

“President Trump’s going to be sending letters to some of our trading partners saying that if you don’t move things along, then on August 1 you will boomerang back to your April 2 tariff level. So I think we’re going to see a lot of deals very quickly,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNN.

India’s high-level official delegation led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal has returned from Washington after the trade talks with US officials without reaching a final agreement on the sensitive issue of trade in agricultural and dairy products that the US is pushing for.

Meanwhile, Trump has announced that an additional 10 per cent tariff will be imposed on countries that “align themselves with the anti-American policies of BRICS”.

New Delhi/Washington, July 5: US President Donald Trump has signed tariff letters on exports from 12 countries, which are expected to be sent out on July 7 (Monday).

Speaking to the media aboard Air Force One, the US President said the names of the countries which will receive the letters would only be revealed on Monday.

“I signed some letters and they’ll go out on Monday, probably 12. Different amounts of money, different amounts of tariffs,” he told reporters.

“The letters are better. It is much easier to send a letter,” Trump added.

Trump has suggested that the reciprocal tariffs could go even higher, potentially reaching 70 per cent for some countries, and take effect from August 1.

The US President in April unveiled a base tariff of 10 per cent on most goods entering the country, along with higher rates for certain countries, including China. Those elevated tariffs were later suspended till July 9.

Washington has concluded trade agreements with two countries – the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, India’s high-level official delegation, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, has returned from Washington without reaching a final agreement with US officials on the sensitive issue of trade in agricultural and dairy products that the US is pushing for.

However, there is still a glimmer of hope that an interim bilateral trade agreement may be reached at the highest political level in the two countries before the July 9 deadline.

The Indian team was in Washington for negotiations on an interim trade agreement with the US from June 26 – July 2.

According to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, India will not hurry into signing a free trade agreement under pressure from any deadline.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event in the national capital, Minister Goyal emphasised that India is ready to make trade deals in the national interest but it “never negotiates trade deals with a deadline”.

The US is seeking broader market access for its agricultural and dairy products, which is a major hurdle, as for India, this is a livelihood issue for the country’s small farmers, and hence, is considered a sensitive area.

While India is looking to secure an exemption from President Trump’s 26 per cent tariffs by concluding an interim deal before July 9, it is also pushing for significant tariff concessions for its labour-intensive exports such as textiles, leather and footwear.

Port of Spain, July 4: Highlighting that India is today the fastest growing major economy in the world and is all set to become the third largest one soon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday while addressing the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago.

“The fruits of India’s growth and progress are reaching the most needy,” he added while stressing that India’s growth and development is reaping benefits for the poor and the underprivileged through welfare schemes launched by the Central and state governments.

“The World Bank has noted that India has lifted more than 250 million people above extreme poverty in the last decade. India’s growth is being powered by our innovative and energetic youth,” the Prime Minister noted.

“Today, India is the third largest startup hub in the world. Nearly half of these startups also have women as directors. Nearly 120 startups have got unicorn status. National missions for Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductor and Quantum computing are becoming the new engines of growth. In a way, innovation is becoming a mass movement,” he said.

“India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital payments. Nearly 50 per cent of the world’s real-time digital transactions take place in India. I congratulate Trinidad & Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI. Now sending money will be as easy as sending a ‘good morning’ text message! And I promise, it will be faster than West Indies bowling.”

“Our Mission Manufacturing is working to make India a manufacturing hub. We have become the world’s second largest mobile manufacturer. We are exporting railway locomotives to the world.”

“Our defence exports have increased 20-fold in just the last decade. We are not just making in India. We are making for the world. As we grow, we are ensuring that it is of mutual benefit to the world,” PM Modi said.

“Today’s India is a land of opportunities. Whether it is business, tourism, education, or healthcare, India has a lot to offer,” he added.

“Your ancestors took a long and difficult journey, over a 100 days across the seas, to reach here – Saat Samandar Par! Today, that same journey takes just a few hours. I encourage you all to visit India more, in person, not just virtually on social media!”

“Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk the soil they walked on. Bring your children, bring your neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys chai and a good story. We will welcome you all – with open arms, warm hearts, and jalebi!” PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister also thanked the Indian diaspora present for the love and affection showered upon him by the Carribean nation.

PM Modi thanked Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for honouring him with Trinidad and Tobago’s highest national award.

Praising India’s space programme in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Modi also highlighted that the country named Chandrayaan-3 probe’s landing site on the Moon as ‘Shiv Shakti point’.

“An Indian astronaut is onboard the International Space Station as we speak. We are now working on a manned space mission, ‘Gaganyaan’. Soon, an Indian will walk on the moon, and India will have its own space station,” he said, while addressing the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago.

PM Modi also said that India is sharing the “fruit of its achievements with the rest of the world”.

“I am sure everyone among you feels proud when India grows. For New India, even the sky is not the limit. You all must have cheered when India’s Chandrayaan landed on the moon. The place where it landed, we have named it Shiv Shakti point,” the Prime Minister said.

He also hailed the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, calling them ‘Rashtradoot’ and as the “Ambassador of values and cultures”.

“We deeply value the strength and support of our diaspora. With over 35 million people spread across the world, the Indian diaspora is our pride. As I have often said, each one of you is a Rashtradoot – an Ambassador of India’s values, culture and heritage,” the Prime Minister added.

He also said: “This year, when we hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Bhubaneshwar, Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo ji was our Chief Guest. A few years ago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji had honoured us with her presence.”

“At the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world. We are mapping the past and bringing people closer for a bright future. We are actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya community. Documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. This will support the deep and historic ties with our brothers and sisters in Trinidad and Tobago as well,” the Prime Minister added.

“I am sure that all of you welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years… You had sent Holy water and ‘Shila’ for building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. I have also brought something here with a similar sense of devotion. It is my honour to bring a replica of Ram Mandir and some water from the Holy Saryu,” Mr. Modi said.

Highlighting that the sixth generations of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago are set to receive their Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the former are not just connected by blood or surnames as India wholeheartedly welcomed them.

“Today, I am happy to announce that OCI cards will now be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago. You are not just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India looks out you, India welcomes you, and India embraces you,” Prime Minister Modi said, during his address to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago.

He also mentioned that PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s ancestors were from Bihar’s Buxar region.

“People consider her the daughter of Bihar… Bihar’s heritage is the pride of India and the world… Bihar has shown the way to the world in various fields for centuries. New opportunities will emerge from Bihar in the 21st century also,” he added.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy and have deep faith and devotion towards Lord Ram.

Speaking to the Indian diaspora, PM Modi said, “We remember you had sent holy water and Shilas for building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.”

“I have also brought something here with a similar sense of devotion. I have also bought a replica of Ram Mandir and some holy water from River Sarayu,” he added.

PM Modi also said: “The Ram-Leelas in Sangre Grande and Dow Village are said to be truly unique. Shri Ram Charit Manas says, राम धामदा पुरी सुहावनि। लोक समस्त बिदित अति पावनि।। It means, the sacred city of Prabhu Shri Ram is so beautiful that its glory is spread across the world. I am sure you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy.”

“Prabhu Shri Ram says that the glory of Ayodhya springs from the holy Sarayu. Whoever takes a dip in its water, finds eternal union with Shri Ram himself,” PM Modi said.

“You all know that earlier this year, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the Maha Kumbh took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Maha Kumbh also with me. I request PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu River and Maha Kumbh to the Ganga Dhara here. May these holy waters bless the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”

The Prime Minister also added: “I know the story of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence. They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayan in their hearts. They left their soil, but not their soul. They were not just migrants. They were messengers of a timeless civilisation. Their contributions have benefitted this country — culturally, economically and spiritually. Just look at the impact that you have all had on this beautiful nation.”

“Our bond goes beyond geography and generations,” PM Modi noted.

The Prime Minister also said: “Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji — as the first woman Prime Minister of this country. Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo Ji – as the female President. Late Basdeo Pandey, the son of a farmer, rose to become Prime Minister and a respected global leader. Eminent math scholar Rudranath Capildeo, music icon Sundar Popo, cricketing talent Darren Ganga, and Sewdass Sadhu, whose devotion built the Temple in the Sea. The list of achievers goes on.”

“You, the children of Girmitiyas, are not defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by your success, your service, and your values. Honestly, there must be something magical in the “doubles” and “dal poori” — because you have doubled the success of this great nation!” PM Modi said in his address to the Indian community here.

“When I last visited 25 years ago, we all admired the cover drives and pull shots of Lara. Today, it is Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran who ignite the same excitement in the hearts of our youth. Between then and now, our friendship has grown even stronger.”

“Benaras, Patna, Kolkata, Delhi may be cities in India. But they are also names of streets here. Navratra, Mahashivratri, Janmasthmi are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chowtal and Baithak Gana continue to thrive here.”

“I can see the warmth of many familiar faces. And I see curiosity in the bright eyes of a younger generation – keen to know and grow together. Truly, our bonds go well beyond geography and generations.”