The visit of the American team coming for trade talks may be postponed. (Social media)
International News: The sixth round of discussions on the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), which was supposed to take place in New Delhi from 25 to 29 August, may not happen on schedule. Officials have indicated that the visit of the American delegation could be pushed back, meaning the talks might now take place later.
Until now, both countries have completed five rounds of negotiations. The next round was expected to address important issues, but the sudden decision of the US to raise import duties on Indian goods has created fresh uncertainty.
Recently, the US announced a 50 percent tariff on certain items imported from India. Out of this, a 25 percent duty already came into effect on 7 August, while another 25 percent tariff on imports linked to Russian oil and defense supplies is set to begin on 27 August.
Despite this tough move, trade between the two countries has shown growth. From April to July this year, India’s exports to the US increased by over 21 percent, reflecting strong demand.
A key sticking point in the negotiations has been the American push for greater access to India’s agricultural and dairy markets. India has firmly rejected these demands, saying such steps would directly impact the livelihood of millions of small farmers and dairy producers. New Delhi has made it clear that protecting the interests of its farmers is non-negotiable.
At the same time, both nations have set ambitious goals. They want to finish the first stage of the BTA by October 2025 and have also agreed to raise bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. At present, trade between the two stands at about $191 billion.
The debate over the trade talks comes shortly after the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Experts believe the summit, while not fully conclusive, turned out to be a strategic advantage for Russia and indirectly worked in India’s favor as well.
Foreign policy analyst Robinder Sachdev said the meeting has given India a stronger diplomatic position and reduced the risk of fresh sanctions. According to him, Putin’s stance on focusing on a long-term peace plan in Ukraine, instead of an immediate ceasefire, shaped the outcome of the summit.
He added that although the US and Europe wanted a quick truce, the final results reflected Russia’s terms more strongly—something that could give India both economic and strategic breathing space in the current situation.
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