India Holds Firm in US Trade Talks: A High-Stakes Standoff

In a critical phase of negotiations, India has taken a firmer stance on agricultural duty concessions with the United States as the two countries aim to finalize a trade agreement. Officials in Washington reveal high-level talks are ongoing, with deadlines fast approaching.

The Indian delegation, led by Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal from the Department of Commerce, seeks to secure favorable outcomes in the interim trade agreement discussions. As the clock ticks toward a July 9 deadline, when a suspended 26% tariff might resurface, both sides hustle for a consensus.

India, pressured by demands for duty concessions in sensitive agricultural sectors, argues these adjustments could harm its farmers reliant on sustenance farming. Conversely, India requests concessions on textiles, leather, and other labor-intensive exports, aiming to boost trade significantly by 2030.

(With inputs from agencies.)