(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
US-India Trade Talks Heat Up: Key Negotiator Arrives in Delhi
A top US trade official, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, lands in India tonight to push forward talks on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). A government source confirmed that these crucial US-India trade negotiations will kick off on Tuesday.
Leading India’s side is Rajesh Agrawal, the Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce and chief negotiator. The two nations have been in deep discussions for months, aiming for an interim trade deal. But India has held firm on protecting its agricultural and dairy sectors—vital lifelines for millions of farmers and workers—from full US market access.
Back in March, India and the US kicked off talks for a fair and balanced BTA, with hopes to wrap up the first phase by October-November 2025. Things got tense when US President Donald Trump slapped 25% tariffs on Indian goods, dashing early dreams of a quick interim deal to dodge higher costs. Just days later, he added another 25%, hitting a total of 50% over India’s imports of Russian oil. These steep tariffs took effect on August 27.
Trump’s move fits his bigger push for tariff reciprocity. Since starting his second term, he’s targeted countries with US trade deficits, vowing to match their tariffs for "fair trade." Dozens of nations have felt the heat, and India is no exception.
Amid the tariff drama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi struck a positive note this week. Responding to Trump’s praise for India-US ties, Modi shared on X (formerly Twitter): "Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership."
Trump, speaking from the White House, called the India-US relationship "very special" and assured everyone that he and Modi would remain close friends. "There’s nothing to worry about," he added, signaling optimism despite the trade hurdles.
As Lynch arrives, all eyes are on whether these talks can bridge the gaps on agriculture, dairy, and tariffs. A successful BTA could boost bilateral trade, create jobs, and strengthen economic ties between the two global powers. Stay tuned for updates on this key India-US development.
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