India-US Trade Talks at Critical Stage; India Holds Firm on Agriculture

01-Jul-2025 08:43 AM

India-US Trade Talks at Critical Stage; India Holds Firm on Agriculture
★ The ongoing India-US trade talks have reached a decisive stage, as the 90-day pause on the US's plan to impose a 26% reciprocal tariff ends on July 9.
★ A delegation led by India’s Department of Commerce is in Washington for negotiations, which may continue for another 2–3 days.
★ The US is pressing India to reduce tariffs in the agriculture sector, while India is prioritizing the removal of US tariffs on labor-intensive exports like garments and leather products.
★ If talks fail, India may have to face the 26% tariff.
★ Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has made it clear that agriculture and dairy are India’s “red lines,” and no compromise will be made on them.
★ The US is also pushing India to allow imports of GMO commodities such as genetically modified soybeans and corn.