India and the United States are intensifying efforts to finalise a trade agreement, with an Indian trade delegation set to visit Washington DC soon for high-level, in-person negotiations, according to government sources.
This visit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing trade talks, which have included a series of virtual meetings between Indian and US officials over recent weeks. These preparatory discussions have laid the groundwork for more detailed face-to-face engagement aimed at resolving key issues and strengthening bilateral trade ties.
Sources indicated that the discussions encompass both a comprehensive trade deal and targeted sectoral arrangements, aimed at reducing friction and enhancing cooperation in strategic trade areas.
The push for an agreement has gained urgency following US President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff strategy, which targets nations with significant trade surpluses against the US. India is among the countries potentially impacted by these measures.
Originally slated for April, the US tariff rollout was delayed by 90 days and later extended until August 1, offering both sides a critical window to negotiate mutually acceptable terms. Indian officials view the upcoming visit as a make-or-break moment to conclude the agreement before the deadline.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has escalated its tariff campaign. On Wednesday, the US President announced new punitive tariffs affecting 14 countries, with rates ranging from 20% to 50% on specific imports.
Countries such as Brazil, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, and South Africa are among those hit, with Brazil facing the steepest hike—a 50% tariff, primarily on copper. Similar notices have been issued to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and others, signalling a broader trade confrontation.
As the clock ticks down to the August deadline, the Indian delegation’s visit to Washington is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of India-US trade relations amidst a rapidly changing global trade environment.
