Why have India-US trade talks stalled again and what’s next?
Summary
India and the United States have stalled again in efforts to finalise a bilateral trade agreement, with tariff disputes, Russian oil purchases and unresolved US trade probes holding up progress. Further talks may come during Marco Rubio’s planned visit to India, while Narendra Modi and Donald Trump are expected to speak again soon.
Key Points
- India and the United States say their long-running bilateral trade talks have stalled again after an earlier framework deal in February.
- Disputes over tariffs, India’s Russian oil purchases, and a pending US Section 301 trade investigation are major obstacles to a final agreement.
- India is trying to protect sensitive farm sectors while seeking better tariff terms for exporters, and Washington wants New Delhi to cut Russian oil imports.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit India later this month, and Narendra Modi and Donald Trump are expected to speak again soon.
