Washington DC/IBNS: US President Donald Trump has called Prime Minister Narendra Modi "a much tougher and better negotiator" at a joint press conference with India's premier at the White House in the United States.

When a journalist asked him who is a tougher and better negotiator, Trump said, "He is a much tougher negotiator than me and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest."

Trump made the remark after holding a bilateral meeting with Modi.

The President met Modi just hours after announcing reciprocal tariffs for all countries.

During his joint statement with Modi, Trump, who had earlier called India a "very big abuser" on trade, expressed displeasure over New Delhi for imposing higher tariffs when it comes to imports.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump announced the imposition of reciprocal duties citing that US allies were often "worse than our enemies" on matters of trade.

The levies would be tailored to each US trading partner and consider factors including value-added tax (VAT).

Trump has announced a broad range of tariffs targeting some of the biggest US trading partners since assuming office on Jan 20.

He has justified his actions by saying these would help tackle unfair practices -- and in some cases using the threats to influence policy.

The US president has said the move to impose tariffs is a way to raise revenue, remedy trade imbalances, and pressure countries to act on US concerns.