High-Stakes India-US Trade Talks Begin Amid Tariff War and Russia Oil Dispute

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India and the United States are on the brink of a significant trade deal, with American officials set to arrive in New Delhi on Monday night for a crucial round of talks scheduled on Tuesday.

According to sources, while the agenda remains broad, much focus will be on the ongoing tariff war and Washington’s pressure on New Delhi regarding oil imports from Russia. India has made its position clear: there will be no compromise on farmers’ interests or national priorities.

The talks come at a time when the US has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods and continues to express displeasure over India’s energy ties with Moscow. Despite this, US President Donald Trump has publicly emphasized the importance of strong ties with India, raising hopes that the dialogue could ease existing tensions.

In recent days, India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held key meetings with American lawmakers, including Representative James Moylan, to discuss trade cooperation, energy partnerships, and Indo-Pacific regional interests. Discussions also touched upon the role of diplomacy in addressing the ongoing Ukraine crisis.

Analysts suggest that Tuesday’s high-level dialogue could mark a turning point in bilateral relations, balancing Washington’s demands with India’s firm stance on protecting its agricultural and energy interests.