India Wins the Trade War: Emerges as a Global Player, Secures Historic Deals with Both US and EU

Washington: The recent trade deal between India and America is not sudden news. There have been months of negotiations and strategic tussle behind this. Experts believe that India's big trade agreement with the European Union has accelerated this entire process. As soon as the way was clear with Europe, Washington also intensified its moves so that it was not left behind.

Did America apply pressure to finalize the talks?

Farwa Aamer, an expert on South Asia affairs at Asia Society Policy Institute, says that India-US talks were going on for a long time, but after the EU deal, they were finalized rapidly. According to him, America did not want India to establish deep economic relations with Europe and be left behind, hence efforts were made to finalize the agreement quickly.

Why is timing considered so important?

According to Amer, the coming of the US deal so soon after the EU-FTA in itself indicates that global powers are serious about trade partnership with India. India has currently become an important market and supply chain partner for many countries.

Is the Russia issue still having an impact?

He also said that India's relations with Russia are still part of the equation. Even though there has been a decline in oil imports, India does not want to distance itself completely. This balance makes India's diplomacy complex.

Will this deal give India regional edge?

American trade expert Wendy Cutler believes that this agreement will further strengthen India's position in South Asia. He says that America has got such terms with India which are perhaps even better than the EU.
Does 'self-reliant' mean walking alone?

NITI Aayog member Arvind Virmani made it clear that self-reliant India does not mean isolating itself from the world. In his words, “It takes two hands to clap.” He says that this deal is good news for exports, investment and long-term growth.

On which areas is the government's focus going forward?

Virmani described sectors like semiconductor and rare earth minerals as strategic. He believes that these sectors can give India a strong place in the global supply chain in the coming times. This deal is not just a trade agreement but also a sign of India's changing economic strength.