Talks begin to strengthen trade relations between India and the United States. US tariffs, agricultural and dairy products issues are the main agenda. Both countries will focus on ensuring cooperation and balanced trade.
India-US Tariff: Brendan Lynch, the chief US trade negotiator, arrived in India on Monday night. His arrival comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50 percent tariff on India, with 25 percent related to purchasing oil from Russia. Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary of the Department of Commerce, is participating as the chief representative from the Indian side in these talks. Representatives from both countries will begin working on this issue from Tuesday.
India's Concerns over US Tariffs
The US side has requested India to reduce tariffs on corn, soybeans, apples, almonds, and ethanol, and to open its market to American dairy products. India has clarified that complying with these demands could negatively impact the livelihoods of farmers and livestock breeders. In these discussions, India will prioritize safeguarding its national interests. This step will be taken with the aim of ensuring balanced and beneficial trade relations between the two countries.
Leaders Share Confidence
US President Trump stated that both countries are working on a trade agreement and expressed his desire to communicate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed confidence that the talks would yield positive results. Prime Minister Modi welcomed this, stating that India and the US are close friends. He added that this step would strengthen the economic partnership and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Importance of Strategic Aspects
According to experts, this initiative is not limited to trade alone. It is also crucial for the strategic cooperation between the two countries, global economic balance, and investor confidence. India aims to ensure in these discussions that any agreement does not adversely affect the country's industries, farmers, and livestock breeders. The US side wants India to increase market access for American products and reduce tariffs.
The primary objective of these talks is to reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers, and make bilateral trade beneficial. If successfully concluded, it will give new momentum to the India-US economic partnership. This will strengthen trust between the two countries and send a clear signal to global investors.
