Indian Delegation To Visit US Next Week For Trade Talks Amid Tariff Changes: Sources

The agreement was initially expected to be signed in March, but developments after a US Supreme Court ruling on Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs have altered the timeline.

News18

An Indian delegation is set to visit Washington on April 20 for trade talks with US authorities, sources said on Wednesday.

The meeting between trade officials from both sides comes at a crucial time, as India and the US have already finalised the framework for an interim trade agreement. However, the signing of the pact has been delayed following changes in the US tariff structure, sources added.

The agreement was initially expected to be signed in March, but developments after a US Supreme Court ruling on President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs have altered the timeline. Officials had earlier indicated that the deal would be signed once the revised US tariff framework is in place.

Tariff Changes Impact Timeline

Under the earlier framework finalised in February, the US had agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent. However, after the court ruling, the US imposed a uniform 10 per cent tariff on all countries for a 150-day period starting February 24.

As a result, planned meetings between chief negotiators were postponed last month, when both sides were expected to finalise the legal text of the agreement.

Section 301 Probes Add Significance

Next week’s discussions are also significant in the backdrop of ongoing US investigations under Section 301. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has launched probes covering multiple economies, including India, to examine trade practices related to forced labour and industrial policies.

The outcome of these investigations could have implications for bilateral trade, making the upcoming talks key for both countries, sources said.

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