GTRI Warns India to Proceed Cautiously in US Trade Talks

As India engages in negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US, concerns arise due to the absence of Fast Track Trade Authority (FTTA) in the US. This lapse means any agreement could be subjected to Congressional scrutiny, amendments, or even rejection, which creates significant uncertainty for India. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) highlights that the US's post-FTA certification process allows it to unilaterally determine compliance and impose additional demands after an agreement is signed, potentially undermining India's sovereignty. Ajay Srivastava, founder of GTRI, emphasizes the need for diplomatic skill and vigilance against the legal asymmetries in America's trade practices. Without FTTA, the risk of asymmetric obligations is heightened, complicating the negotiation landscape for India. The US Embassy acknowledged ongoing negotiations but refrained from speculating on the outcome of the talks.