Ind and USA Trade: It appears that the relationship between India and the United States is getting back on track. Previously, a trade dispute between India and the US led former US President Donald Trump to impose a 50% tariff. Angered by this, India also suspended talks with the US for some time. America shared a similar sentiment.
However, as criticism against the US gradually mounted and America realized India’s dissatisfaction, the US re-initiated trade discussions. As part of this process, a US delegation visited India. On September 16, India and the US engaged in a seven-hour discussion on a trade agreement.
This meeting was quite prolonged. Various issues were discussed during the seven-hour deliberation. Since it was a one-day meeting, immediately after the discussions, US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Although it was an opportunity to convey birthday wishes, both countries also discussed initiatives to improve their relationship during this call.
The seven-hour meeting was positive, and further discussions between the two countries will be held on critical issues such as tariffs. Brandon Lynch, the chief negotiator from the American side, and Rajesh Agarwal, Additional Secretary from the Indian side, were present at this meeting.
It was decided to intensify efforts to quickly finalize the trade agreement, which is a bilateral trade pact. Although there had been a month-long dispute between India and the US, US President Donald Trump is now showing renewed interest in discussions with India. India has also softened its stance and emphasized the importance of its relationship with America.
Subsequently, the path for trade negotiations between the two countries has reopened. However, one thing is clear: India does not want US dairy and agricultural products to enter its domestic market, whereas America wants to bring its dairy and agricultural products into the Indian market without tariffs. America is continuously pressing on this issue.
In this situation, the US side certainly discussed this matter, but whether India will accept America’s demand or not is the biggest question now. This is because if India gives a green light to these American products without tariffs, there is a serious risk of significant losses for Indian farmers in the Indian market.
In this scenario, the heads of state of both countries have set an example of deep friendship, addressing each other as ‘friends.’ However, it remains to be seen whether this friendship can overcome the bitterness caused by tariffs between the two countries.