Direct dialogue at the very top: Tulsi Gabbard on Trump's India tariff threat

US Director of Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Monday weighed in on President Donald Trump's tariff threat on India, saying New Delhi and Washington have established a "direct dialogue at the very top" over the issue.

In an interview with ANI Editor Smita Prakash, Gabbard said both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump were looking out for ways to boost economies that serve the interests of both countries.

"What I see as a great positive is that we have two leaders who have common sense and who are looking for good solutions. This direct dialogue is happening at the very top in both of our countries, but also at the different secretaries and the cabinet members is going to be key to lay down what that path forward really looks like," she said.

"What I have heard from the Indian government officials that I have spoken to over the last few days, there is an opportunity here to see. There is more potential for strengthening our economic relationship. I am glad to see that they are looking at it in a more positive light than just one that is focused in a negative way, when we look at tariffs," she added.

Gabbard said that both PM Modi and Trump were looking a "good solution" on the issue of tariffs.

"PM Modi is looking out for what is in the best interest of India's economy and the opportunities available for the people of India. Similarly, President Trump is doing the same for the US, our economic interests and the interests of the American people," she added.

Trump has threatened to impose reciprocal tariffs from April 2 on India and most of America's trading partners for "having trade policies that are unfair to Americans".

Earlier this month, Trump renewed his criticism of India's "massive tariffs", calling New Delhi's trade policies restrictive.

"You can't sell anything into India, it is almost restrictive. They have agreed, by the way, they want to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done," he had said.

The US is India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching a record USD 118.2 billion in the last financial year.

During the interview with ANI, Gabbard said PM Modi and Trump were good friends, shared a great friendship and that they would build on the foundation of the India-US partnership.

"The tone and the relationship with our new administration under President Trump and Prime Minister Modi was set during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the White House. As you know, they are already good friends. It was a very great opportunity for them to share their joint vision for the US-India partnership and the opportunity for us to continue to strengthen that partnership," she said.

(with inputs from ANI)