India and the United States have agreed to continue trade negotiations, with New Delhi pressing for tariffs below 20 per cent. Officials said this move aims to protect India’s competitiveness against other Asian nations facing similar US tariff rates.
India is also seeking the removal of the additional 25 per cent tariff on Russian oil, stressing that the country should not be singled out. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns over “double standards” in access to energy and food supplies during the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, emphasizing sustained engagement on trade and priority areas. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also participated in the discussions, which focused on trade, tariffs, and broader bilateral issues.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry described the meetings as constructive. Rubio indicated the Trump administration may reconsider the additional Russian oil tariffs on India. MEA officials reiterated that India’s stance remains firm on energy purchases and fairness, highlighting statements urging European nations to curb Russian oil imports without imposing double standards.
