As the July 9 deadline nears for the US's retaliatory 26% tariff, India's Ministry of Trade has announced that "protecting Indian interest is supreme" in ongoing bilateral trade talks with the United States. In just weeks before the 90-day temporary suspension of President Trump's aggressive tariffs expires, the two nations are engaged in high-stakes talks to finalize an interim trade deal.
The talks have intensified in the past few days with Indian authorities refusing to budge on national interests, especially those of farmers and domestic industries. The US is asking for much lower tariffs on its agricultural and dairy products and market access for genetically modified foods. India has rejected point-blank, citing food security, preserving the environment, and Indian farmers' livelihood in millions.
Though there have been breakthroughs in areas like digital trade, customs, and lowering tariffs on some US products, the negotiations have faced serious setbacks. Indian negotiators are seeking zero-duty access to priority goods like textiles, pharma, and engineering products and seeking protection against future tariff hikes. The US has so far rejected zero tariffs in the near future and stuck to hard-line positions on agriculture market access and base tariffs.
The two countries are interested in reaching an interim agreement before the deadline to avoid a destabilizing tariff war. The talks are important with the potential to open new export and market opportunities and boost bilateral trade from $190 billion annually to a target of $500 billion by 2030.
Key Highlights
Indian Interests Come First: Trade Ministry claims India's interests are "supreme" during negotiations.
Tariff Expiration: July 9 marks the end of 90-day suspension of US reciprocal tariffs, perilously inching towards a 26% tariff on Indian imports.
Sticking Points: US demands lower tariffs on farm and GMO products flatly rejected by India.
Regions of Progress: Development in digital trade, customs trade facilitation, and selective tariff reduction.
Export Push: India seeks zero-duty access for priority exports and relief from possible US tariffs.
Trade Aspirations: Both nations want to push bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, but there is profound dissonance.
Negotiations Ongoing: The talks resumed as both parties seek a mutually acceptable interim agreement before the looming deadline.
With time running out, the destiny of these negotiations will decide the future of India-US trade and establish the tone of greater economic engagement in the coming years.
Source: Deccan Herald, Reuters, The Tribune, NDTV, Economic Times
