US- India tariff talks: USTR praises India's pragmatic approach

Washington (Uttam Hindu News): US Trade Representative (USTR) Jameson Greer described India's approach in trade talks as "pragmatic" and said that both sides are "trying to negotiate a compromise." Greer spoke about the ongoing talks with India. He said, "The Indians are taking a pragmatic approach. We have been negotiating with the Indians on the trade front since day one of this administration. So, when you talk about a 50 percent tariff on India, half of that 25 percent is actually trade-related. It's a reciprocal tariff. That's what we're trying to negotiate and reach a compromise on."

India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and USTR Greer met in New York on September 22nd. Greer's statement comes just days after the meeting. Sources said the meeting focused on key issues, and both sides hope to reach an interim agreement soon. A statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry also said that the Indian delegation held "constructive meetings" with the US government on various aspects of the agreement.

The Indian statement further said, "The two sides exchanged views on the possible contours of a deal and decided to continue negotiations with the aim of an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement." Greer also spoke about the imposition of an additional 25 percent tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil and argued that the US was not trying to impose its conditions on any sovereign nation.

He said, "India hasn't always bought so much Russian oil. It's not like it's a fundamental part of the Indian economy. Obviously, they're a sovereign country. We're not trying to impose on other countries who they can and can't have relationships with." Greer also believed that New Delhi understands the US objective of "ending the conflict in Ukraine" and is adjusting its energy needs.

He said, "I think they understand that. I can see they're starting to make changes." He also stressed that India isn't the only country buying oil from Russia, and that the Trump administration has pressured European and Chinese countries to stop their purchases. "We've already talked to our European allies, some of whom are still buying Russian oil today, which is strange," USTR Greer stressed. "So, we're not just talking to Indians about this, we've talked to China about this as well. We just need to end this war."

Earlier, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Following their conversation, the US Secretary of State said India was "important" to the US and welcomed ongoing trade talks. A day after meeting with S. Jaishankar, Rubio indicated that the Trump administration might be willing to "curb" the additional 25 percent tariff imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil.

In an interview with NBC News, Marco Rubio said, "We've already seen the steps taken with respect to India, although we hope we can fix that." Furthermore, the US Secretary of State blamed European countries for "not doing enough" to end the conflict in Ukraine.

Earlier, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also reiterated India's stand on purchases of Russian energy, saying "there can be no double standards in this matter," and also highlighted the Trump administration's statements calling on the European Union, NATO and G7 countries to stop buying Russian oil and gas.