Washington, Dec 10 (LatestNewsX) — The United States is pushing forward with intense trade talks with India, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer telling legislators that New Delhi has delivered “the best we’ve ever received as a country” in ongoing discussions that aim to open up U.S. markets to American farm products such as grain sorghum and soy.
During a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, Greer noted that a USTR team is “in New Delhi, as we speak,” tackling sensitive agricultural hurdles. He admitted that “there is resistance in India… to certain row crops,” but highlighted how India’s recent proposals reveal an unusual willingness on their part. “They’ve been quite forward‑leaning,” he replied to a Senator’s question.
Greer suggested that India now represents “a viable alternative market” for U.S. commodities, especially as American producers grapple with mounting inventories and erratic demand from China. “We have to find a way to manage that trade,” he said, adding that India is a promising but historically tough market to “crack.”
Committee Chair Jerry Moran, who expressed worries about shrinking options for Kansas farmers, pressed Greer to explore multiple export destinations to lessen dependence on China. Pointing to large stockpiles, Moran said, “It’s such a difficult country to crack.” Greer countered that the current diplomatic push in India is more advanced than in prior administrations.
Greer emphasized that India’s engagement runs parallel to a wider U.S. effort to realign trade relationships worldwide, reducing deficits while building reciprocity. “We’re opening market access all over the world in places like Southeast Asia and even in Europe,” he said. These new openings, he argued, give Washington leverage with partners such as India and help farmers secure “structural constant access.”
He also hinted that broader tariff and market‑access issues will surface with India in sectors beyond agriculture. When asked about potential zero‑tariff commitments for civil aviation parts under the 1979 Aircraft Agreement, Greer said talks were “fairly far advanced,” adding, “We can certainly talk about extending treatment to those countries… if they’re willing to play ball and come to the table and give the United States the market access it should have.”
Moran noted India could become a major buyer of ethanol derived from U.S. corn and soy. Greer didn’t delve into that specific market but mentioned that “a lot of other countries… have agreed to open their markets for U.S. ethanol.” He also referred to the EU’s pledge to purchase “$750 billion in U.S. energy products” over several years, including biofuels.
Several senators voiced concerns about the pressure on American farmers amid volatile tariffs and shifting Chinese purchases. Greer countered that the administration’s push for reciprocal deals is creating fresh opportunities for exporters, claiming the U.S. is “breaking the mold of conventional wisdom in Washington” and gaining concessions from partners on tariffs, regulatory barriers, and FDA acceptance for medicines.
Throughout the hearing, Greer repeatedly stressed the need for assertive negotiations—including tariffs—to enforce commitments and unlock markets. “They respond to enforcement,” he said. “That’s how we generate compliance and market opening.”
It is worth noting that U.S.–India trade relations have grown substantially over the last decade, with the two governments negotiating access in agriculture, digital services, aviation, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals.
India continues to be one of America’s fastest‑growing export destinations, though agricultural trade still faces longstanding tariff and sanitary restrictions, officials say.
Talks have accelerated since the launch of the U.S.–India Strategic Trade Dialogue and ongoing frameworks tied to the Indo‑Pacific Economic agenda, as both sides seek supply‑chain diversification and deeper commercial integration amid geopolitical realignments.
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