India emphasises mutual benefit in trade deal talks with the US | Fusion - WeRIndia

India has firmly responded to recent comments by US President Donald Trump regarding a potential trade deal that would involve “literally zero tariffs.”

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified India’s position, underscoring that trade negotiations with the United States are ongoing, intricate, and far from being finalised.

The minister remarked that the negotiations were complex and emphasised that no final decisions would be made until all aspects had been agreed upon.

He emphasised that India is committed to achieving a balanced agreement that benefits both nations. Therefore, any assumptions about the final outcome, he noted, are premature.

His response came shortly after Trump claimed during a business forum in Qatar that India had offered a deal with no tariffs, although he did not provide any specifics.

From India’s perspective, the priority remains securing a trade agreement that reflects mutual interests.

The country insists that any deal must work for both sides. Consequently, India has taken a cautious and pragmatic approach, not rushing into an agreement that could undermine its economic interests.

This firm stance is partly influenced by recent trade tensions. Notably, the United States imposed a 26% tariff on Indian goods under Trump’s “Liberation Day” trade policy.

In response, India warned of possible retaliatory actions, signalling its unwillingness to be pressured into one-sided deals. This assertiveness marks a shift in New Delhi’s trade diplomacy, highlighting its determination to protect national interests even in negotiations with its largest trading partner.

Furthermore, while India values its trade relationship with the US, bilateral trade reached USD 129 billion in 2024, with India enjoying a USD 45.7 billion surplus, it is not willing to concede unfair terms.

Transitioning from talks to action, India is actively working to finalise the first phase of the deal, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal set to visit the US from May 17 to 20 to accelerate discussions.

India’s measured response reflects a growing confidence in international trade. Although committed to strengthening ties with the US, India maintains that a fair, mutually beneficial agreement remains the only acceptable outcome.

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