India Plans Trade Negotiations with US Amid Tariff Concerns

In response to US President Donald Trump's recent imposition of a 27% tariff on Indian imports, India is exploring avenues for a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) while emphasizing a careful approach to protect its agricultural sector. Indian officials are considering reducing tariffs on certain items, such as crude oil and almonds, while aiming to alleviate US concerns by increasing purchases from the US, including oil and machinery. Despite the tariffs being less severe than those imposed on other Asian countries, India is hesitant to impose retaliatory duties, focusing instead on negotiation to address trade imbalances. The Indian Commerce Ministry is actively engaging stakeholders to assess the impact of the tariffs and explore potential opportunities arising from the US's new trade policy. As India prepares for ongoing negotiations, officials are committed to maintaining open dialogue to resolve issues amicably and avoid jeopardizing broader diplomatic relations. The overarching goal remains to solidify trade ties and enhance cooperation in various sectors, including defense and technology.