Donald Trump's 'reciprocal tariffs' Truth Social post early Thursday (6.46am EST, 5.16pm IST) - hours before he meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C. - has reconfirmed, if confirmation were necessary, that much, if not all, of the conversation between them will focus on import duties, and underscored the US President's continuing fondness to weaponise trade tariffs.

In a brief post, with the trademark self-congratulation, Trump wrote, "THREE GREAT WEEKS, PERHAPS THE BEST EVER, BUT TODAY IS THE BIG ONE: RECIPROCAL TARIFFS!!!"

"MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!"

The 'reciprocal tariffs' post was an echo from Wednesday, when he committed to orders that could open new fronts in a fast-growing trade war with other nations, including allies.

Donald Trump said he would hold a news conference on reciprocal tariffs at the White House at 1:00 pm local time (which means 11:30 pm IST).

What Are Reciprocal Tariffs And Who Might Be Affected?

The US President has insisted that his 'reciprocal tariffs' system - essentially an 'eye for an eye' response to countries that have import duties on American products - is "the only fair way to trade".The White House had said Wednesday that Trump's 'reciprocal tariff' plan could be announced before his meeting with PM Modi later today.

Should this, in fact, happen, it will be seen, at least by the Trump administration, as sending the world a message about the US' position on tariffs.

PM Modi In The US
Mr Modi reached the United States earlier today for a first bilateral meet since Trump was elected to a second term in November; he did so on the back of a hardline nationalist agenda that included promises to deport illegal immigrants and jumpstart a stuttering manufacturing sector.