Overview
- Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said talks with Washington are at an advanced stage and should conclude in a way that deepens access for Indian exporters.
- Negotiators have held six rounds, with a USTR team led by Rick Switzer visiting India on December 10–12 and a two‑day round ending on December 11.
- The first tranche targets relief from steep 50% duties the US imposed on many Indian products on August 27, which exporters say are hurting shipments.
- India has rejected concessions in agriculture and dairy, stressing it will not compromise the interests of farmers and MSMEs.
- Despite the tariffs, November merchandise exports to the US rose 22.61% to $6.98 billion, while India pursues parallel FTAs with partners such as the UK, EFTA, Oman and New Zealand and reassesses its $2 trillion exports-by-2030 goal.