New Delhi – On Tuesday, Brendan Lynch, the US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, arrived in New Delhi to engage in trade discussions with Indian officials. The talks aim to address the ongoing bilateral trade issues following the US government's decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian exports.
Lynch's visit marks the first high-level US trade negotiation engagement in India since the tariffs were introduced under former President Donald Trump's administration. The discussions are intended to pave the way for resuming the sixth round of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) negotiations, which had been postponed due to the tariff dispute.
India's chief negotiator, Rajesh Agarwal, Special Secretary in the Commerce Ministry, confirmed that while virtual discussions have continued weekly, progress has been slow amid the tense trade environment. He described Tuesday's talks as a precursor to the formal sixth round of negotiations, emphasizing the goal of finding common ground to move forward.
The visit follows recent positive exchanges between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, who acknowledged the potential in bilateral trade relations. Modi expressed optimism that negotiations could unlock "limitless opportunities" for cooperation.
Brendan Lynch oversees US trade policy for 15 countries in South and Central Asia, including coordination under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFAs) and the US-India Trade Policy Forum. His presence in New Delhi is seen as an effort to assess the environment for structured trade talks amid shifting global trade dynamics.
The US tariffs on Indian goods have been described by India as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," significantly impacting Indian exports to the US. The tariff imposition has been a major point of contention, delaying the progress of the bilateral trade agreement negotiations.
In the lead-up to Lynch's visit, Peter Navarro, former trade advisor to President Trump, made remarks acknowledging India's willingness to engage in talks. Navarro highlighted Prime Minister Modi's conciliatory approach and President Trump's positive response, though he reiterated concerns about India's high tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
The trade discussions on Tuesday are taking place at a critical juncture as both countries seek to resolve disputes and explore opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation.
