US President Donald Trump questioned the nationality of an Indian journalist before taking his question during a press interaction at the White House on Friday.As the journalist prepared to inquire the US president’s relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump asked, “Are you from India by any chance? Huh? I thought you were from Germany.”“I was only kidding, you’re central casting,” Trump added after the journalist verified that he was from India.Trump later answered the reporter’s question and said that PM Modi is a “good friend” and mentioned that they get along well.“We have a good relationship,” Trump said.Expressing confidence about a potential trade agreement with New Delhi, Trump said the United States was now benefiting significantly from its economic relationship with India.“For years, India took advantage of the United States. They charged us tremendous tariffs and paid nothing. Now it is the exact reverse and we are making a lot of money with India. But we will get to a deal,” he added.Meanwhile, Trump’s remarks drew criticism from several people online, with one user saying, “They have elected a joker as a president. It is understandable he makes such statements.”“Racism at the highest level,” said another user.Trump’s remarks came a day after his administration proposed an additional 12.5 per cent tariff on imports from 60 economies, including India.Negotiations between Washington and New Delhi have gathered pace in recent weeks. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the talks were nearing conclusion, with only a handful of issues yet to be resolved.Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal has also indicated that most aspects of the agreement have been settled, with discussions now focused on ironing out the remaining details before the first phase of the deal is announced.
