NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday said it was committed to negotiating a “fair, balanced” trade deal with Washington, after US President Donald Trump said Indian goods would face steep tariffs and New Delhi would be penalised for purchases of Russian weapons and energy.
Months of trade negotiations between India and the United States have failed to seal a deal, with sticking points including Trump‘s sweeping demands and New Delhi’s reluctance to fully open its agricultural and dairy sectors.
Two days before Trump‘s August 1 tariffs deadline, the US president announced that imports from India would be hit with a 25 per cent tariff.
The Indian government said it had “taken note” of Trump’s announcement and was “studying its implications”.
“India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months. We remain committed to that objective,” it said in a statement, also noting that it was determined to protect the welfare of Indian farmers and entrepreneurs.
“The Government will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest, as has been the case with other trade agreements including the latest Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK.” – AFP
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