New Delhi: Indian trade negotiators are visiting Washington for the next round of talks for an interim trade deal with the US ahead of the July 9 deadline when the 90-day reciprocal-tariff pause period ends.
The two-day visit comes after American trade negotiators visited India from June 5- 11 for the talks.
“The officials are in Washington for the two-day talks,” said an official.
New Delhi has said that it will stand firm on its stance in the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations with the US as its interests are supreme amid challenges on the agriculture and dairy front.
The negotiations would cover both the interim and first tranche of the BTA which is aimed to be concluded by September-October.
The US President on April 2 announced a reciprocal tariff of 26% on goods imports from India as part of its trade levies all over the world. These tariffs were paused for 90 days until July 9. However, the baseline tariff of 10% remains in force.
India wants the entire 26% tariff to be rolled back, has sought concessions for labour-intensive sectors such as leather and textiles and an assurance from the US that no additional tariffs will be imposed by the Donald Trump administration once the BTA is finalised.
Agriculture and dairy sectors are difficult and challenging areas for India and it has not opened up dairy in any of its free trade pacts.
Moreover, Washington is demanding concessions in sensitive agriculture items, including GM crops, something that India has resisted.
The round of talks may also take up issues related to the impact of the UsS’ 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium and the 25% tariffs on auto. While the auto components sector doesn’t expect a big dent for now, there may be an impact if the tariffs persist.
India will pursue a concession, if others get one.
The two-day visit comes after American trade negotiators visited India from June 5- 11 for the talks.
“The officials are in Washington for the two-day talks,” said an official.
New Delhi has said that it will stand firm on its stance in the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations with the US as its interests are supreme amid challenges on the agriculture and dairy front.
The negotiations would cover both the interim and first tranche of the BTA which is aimed to be concluded by September-October.
The US President on April 2 announced a reciprocal tariff of 26% on goods imports from India as part of its trade levies all over the world. These tariffs were paused for 90 days until July 9. However, the baseline tariff of 10% remains in force.
India wants the entire 26% tariff to be rolled back, has sought concessions for labour-intensive sectors such as leather and textiles and an assurance from the US that no additional tariffs will be imposed by the Donald Trump administration once the BTA is finalised.
Agriculture and dairy sectors are difficult and challenging areas for India and it has not opened up dairy in any of its free trade pacts.
Moreover, Washington is demanding concessions in sensitive agriculture items, including GM crops, something that India has resisted.
The round of talks may also take up issues related to the impact of the UsS’ 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium and the 25% tariffs on auto. While the auto components sector doesn’t expect a big dent for now, there may be an impact if the tariffs persist.
India will pursue a concession, if others get one.
You may also like
'Principles sacrificed for power': HAM targets Lalu Prasad Yadav for 'silence' on Emergency
Anna Wintour announces she's quit iconic Vogue role after 37 years
Amit Shah advocates for promotion of Indian languages in governance to foster national unity
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri agree on McLaren pecking order after 'tough' conversations
Sabrina Carpenter fans crack Espresso 'hidden meaning' before Man's Best Friend launch
