Trade discussions between Indian and US officials on Tuesday were described as “positive” and “forward-looking” by New Delhi, following a more conciliatory tone from President Donald Trump after imposing punitive tariffs on India over its Russian oil purchases.
A US delegation, led by Brendan Lynch, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, met with Indian trade officials headed by Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agrawal in New Delhi.
“It was decided to intensify efforts to achieve the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement,” India’s commerce ministry stated, without providing further details.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
The talks covered bilateral trade ties, including a potential India-US trade deal. Both sides are now expected to hold a formal sixth round of trade negotiations.
However, it remains unclear whether New Delhi will meet the Trump administration’s demands to cut Russian oil purchases or open its agriculture and dairy sectors to U.S. companies, a significant demand in the negotiations.
Last month, Trump imposed a 25% punitive levy on Indian imports effective from August 27, doubling overall tariffs to 50%, as part of Washington’s pressure campaign on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.
A planned visit by a U.S. delegation to New Delhi from August 25-29 was canceled after talks stalled, with India resisting U.S. demands to open its vast farm and dairy markets.
India’s exports to the U.S. fell to $6.86 billion in August from $8.01 billion in July, according to trade ministry data released on Monday.
Exporters have warned that the full impact of higher tariffs will be felt from September, once the new duties take effect.
Doha strike, new EU tariff threat rattle oil market
US ends tariff exemption for small packages shipped globally
UAE–India trade set to defy US tariff pressures, eyes $100b milestone
