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India-US Trade Agreement Nears Understanding Amid Tariff Policy Uncertainty

India-US Trade Agreement Nears Understanding Amid Tariff Policy Uncertainty
India-US trade deal far advanced: EAM Jaishankar · thehansindia.com

India and the United States have been working on a trade agreement.

India’s foreign minister said the two countries mostly understand what the agreement should contain.

He also said the deal is very close to being finished.

However, changes in US tariff rules have made it harder to decide when to sign it.

India wants to protect its small farmers and manufacturers during negotiations.

The minister said terrorism is another important concern for India.

He also said disagreements about people moving between the two countries affect the relationship.

Both countries hope their relationship will improve, but they must first work through these issues.

Key facts

Trade agreement status
Jaishankar said the proposed agreement is “very, very far advanced” and that there is more or less an understanding.
Main obstacle
Changes in the basis for US tariffs and an ongoing Section 301 process are complicating the timing.
Economic considerations
India’s economy includes many small farmers and manufacturers, with a production structure different from that of the United States.
Other bilateral concerns
India considers terrorism and the movement of people important to its relationship with Washington.
Relationship goal
Jaishankar said India hopes the relationship will move on an upward trajectory.
Broader cooperation
India and the United States have expanded cooperation in trade, technology, defence, and education over the past two decades.
Multilateral grouping
India and the United States are members of the Quad alongside Australia and Japan.

Quotes

S. Jaishankar

India's External Affairs Minister

“If one of my primary concerns is not fully appreciated by my partner, then clearly there is an impact of that on the relationship”
thehansindia.com
“We have reached a situation where there is more or less an understanding on the trade agreement”
thehansindia.com

Sources

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