VOI World/ Desk
India seeks trade edge in US deal talks as New Delhi pushes for preferential access to the American market while seeking safeguards against future tariff actions. The negotiations are expected to gain momentum with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer scheduled to visit India this week.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India is willing to conclude the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement but stressed that the country would not negotiate under artificial deadlines. He said an early agreement would give Indian exporters a competitive advantage over rival economies such as China, Vietnam and other ASEAN nations.
According to government officials, India is seeking tariff treatment that provides better market access than competitors including Bangladesh and Vietnam. New Delhi is also looking for assurances against future unilateral US tariff measures and wants greater clarity on Section 301 investigations before committing to a broader agreement.
The talks come after changes in the US tariff framework disrupted an earlier understanding reached in February. Washington had proposed an additional 18% tariff on Indian goods under an interim arrangement, though legal challenges and court rulings have since altered the trade landscape.
Trade experts have advised India not to rush into an agreement and instead focus on securing long-term stability for industry. Analysts say the US is seeking commitments in areas including agriculture, energy, defence equipment, aircraft, digital services and advanced technologies.
Piyush Goyal said trade is only one aspect of the wider India-US strategic partnership, which also spans technology, critical minerals, defence and supply chains. He added that India has emerged as a trusted global partner and continues to play a vital role in ensuring affordable healthcare supplies to the US.
India seeks trade edge in US deal talks as both countries attempt to finalise the contours of a framework that could reshape bilateral trade and provide Indian exporters with a stronger foothold in the American market.
