The US staff scheduled to come back for the subsequent spherical of bilateral commerce negotiations is now not coming to India, mentioned ANI citing authorities sources. The staff was to reach on August 25 for the sixth spherical of talks.
“US Commerce staff not coming to India for the subsequent spherical of commerce negotiations. The US staff was scheduled to go to India on twenty fifth August for the sixth spherical of negotiations,” authorities sources informed ANI.
5 rounds of talks have already taken place, with the final spherical going down on July 14-18, 2025 in Washington DC. India and the US are discussing tariff concessions and market entry in key sectors, with an purpose to finalise an interim settlement.
The talks cowl varied areas together with market entry, sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), technical obstacles to commerce (TBT), digital commerce, customs and commerce facilitation. Officers from each side have held intensive negotiations, and have made progress towards a balanced settlement with preliminary success.
On whether or not the US staff is coming for negotiations scheduled within the final week of August, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal mentioned, “Nearer to the date, which is the top of the final week of August, we can understand how that spherical might be progressing.”
Commenting on US BTA negotiations, he mentioned, “Our Bilateral Commerce talks negotiations with the US are occurring. We’re engaged. Bilateral deliberations are occurring at completely different ranges. One is on the negotiating staff’s degree. One other one occurs on the minister’s degree. Third, occurs on the diplomatic degree, and we additionally have interaction with completely different industries of the US, corporations and all people to look into their points. So this negotiation is going on throughout varied channels.”
“These negotiations are occurring and we’re engaged. The US is an important companion for us. For the US, India can be an vital companion,” he added.
A Joint Assertion was issued throughout Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s go to to Washington DC, setting the objective of accelerating bilateral commerce to USD 500 billion by 2030 and to pursue Bilateral Commerce Settlement (BTA) on this course.
The 2 international locations purpose to finish the primary tranche of the BTA by 2025. India and the US have set a goal to double their commerce to USD 500 billion by 2030.
India is searching for improved market entry for its items and companies, whereas the US is urgent for better market entry in key sectors.
Earlier, expressing concern over the affect of US tariffs on Indian exports, a senior authorities official mentioned the federal government is holding a detailed watch on the sectors most affected by the US market and is working with key stakeholders to evaluate vulnerabilities.
“We’re in contact with the stakeholders. We perceive which sectors are extra uncovered to us, and our commodity divisions are in discussions with varied EPCs. The Minister has additionally taken conferences with the EPCs, notably with these sectors that are labour-intensive. I’ve additionally taken a gathering with our officers, who’re speaking to the EPCs, attempting to grasp their publicity to the US,” the official mentioned.
Highlighting the various ranges of export dependence, the official defined, “There are different corporations that are extra diversified, which aren’t solely exporting to the US, but in addition exporting to the EU, exporting to the UK, exporting to different international locations. Now, corporations are additionally concerned in standardising their exports; they could face some challenges that they’re figuring out, however they’re additionally different potentialities for diversification. And subsequently, you already know, our deal with this diversification and this export promotion mission could be very, essential.”
US President Donald Trump has mentioned there might be no commerce talks with India till the tariff dispute is resolved. He mentioned this after his administration’s resolution to double the tariff on Indian imports. “No, not till we resolve that,” he replied when requested by ANI on the Oval Workplace if he anticipated talks to renew within the wake of the brand new 50 per cent tariff.
The White Home on Wednesday issued an Government Order imposing a further 25 proportion factors in tariffs on Indian items, elevating the full levy to 50 per cent. The administration cited nationwide safety and international coverage considerations, pointing particularly to India’s ongoing imports of Russian oil.
The order claims that these imports, whether or not direct or through intermediaries, current an “uncommon and extraordinary menace” to the US and justify emergency financial measures.
In early August, the US imposed a 25 per cent tariff on most Indian items, efficient August 7, with exemptions for prescribed drugs, electronics, semiconductors, and vitality merchandise. However US President Donald Trump additional imposed a further 25 per cent tariff on India, making the full imposition at 50 per cent.
In accordance with US officers, the preliminary 25% tariff got here into impact on 7 August. The extra levy will take impact in 21 days and apply to all Indian items getting into US ports — with exceptions for objects already in transit and sure exempt classes.
The order additionally offers flexibility for the president to switch the measures, relying on altering geopolitical circumstances or retaliatory actions by India or different nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded defiantly throughout a speech on the MS Swaminathan Centenary Worldwide Convention in New Delhi, signalling that New Delhi wouldn’t again down within the face of financial stress.
“For us, the curiosity of our farmers is our high precedence,” PM Modi mentioned. “India won’t ever compromise on the pursuits of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I do know we should pay a heavy worth for it, and I’m prepared for it. India is prepared for it.”
India has persistently pushed again towards opening delicate sectors comparable to agriculture and dairy to worldwide competitors, citing the potential affect on thousands and thousands of rural livelihoods.
With the inputs of ANI
