India Seeks ‘Best Possible’ Trade Deal with US Amid Tariff Uncertainty
India is focused on securing the most advantageous trade agreement with the United States to maintain a competitive edge, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said, as uncertainty clouds Washington’s tariff policy. New Delhi is closely monitoring how the Trump administration proceeds after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down emergency tariffs, but remains committed to pursuing the “best possible opportunities” in a bilateral deal.
Goyal revealed he held discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in New Delhi, covering trade and economic cooperation. The meeting came shortly after President Donald Trump warned countries against stepping back from negotiated agreements, even as he announced a temporary 10% duty on all nations, including India, with plans to raise it to 15% under existing statutory limits.
The broader outlook for U.S. trade deals remains unclear, with China urging tariff rollbacks, the European Union pausing approval of agreements, and India delaying a planned trade delegation to Washington. Before the court ruling, both sides had agreed on a framework to lower U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%, which included a 25% levy tied to India’s Russian oil purchases. Goyal declined to set a timeline for finalising the deal, emphasizing India’s intent to act in its strategic interest.
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