US President Donald Trump has announced plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs ahead of his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump revealed his intention to impose the tariffs but didn't provide details on the plan or its target.

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"Three great weeks, perhaps the best-ever, but today is the big one: Reciprocal tariffs. Make America Great Again!!!!." he wrote.

The move is aimed at matching the US' tariff rates on imports to the level that other countries impose on United States goods.

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'An eye for an eye'

During the election campaign, Trump had promised, "An eye for an eye, a tariff for a tariff, same exact amount."

For instance, if India levies a 25 per cent tariff on US automobile imports, Washington would respond by imposing a matching 25 per cent tariff on auto imports from New Delhi.

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Also read: Indian PM to meet President Trump: Tariffs, deportation, Quad on Modi’s agenda

"Trump's objective of implementing reciprocal tariffs is to ensure fair treatment for US exports, which could indirectly also address US trade imbalances with partner countries," analysts at Nomura said.

Since the time Trump took over the office for his second term as the US president, he has imposed tariffs on several countries, which include Canada, Mexico, and China.

Trump had recently also announced tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports beginning on March 12.

Along with this, he imposed 10 per cent tariffs on goods from China and also announced a 30-day hold on tariffs on goods from the neighbouring countries, Canada and Mexico.

PM Modi is on an official visit to the United States, where he is set to meet Donald Trump in the White House.

Tariffs likely on Modi’s agenda

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt had on Wednesday (Feb 12) announced that the reciprocal tariffs aim to counter restrictions on US imports that the Trump administration considers unfair.

Trump has previously criticised India’s trade policies, referring to the country as a "very big abuser" and urging it to purchase more US-made security equipment to establish a fairer trade balance.

However, analysts say that when Modi meets Trump, the Indian PM could point to recent unilateral steps that India has taken to lower the barriers to entry for US goods.

(With inputs from agencies)