India-US Trade Pact Back on Table, Washington Talks Next Week - What To Expect

India and the United States will resume negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade pact next week, with both sides set to review and recalibrate the framework agreed earlier this year due to changes in the U.S. tariff regime.Chief negotiators from the two countries will meet in Washington from April 20 for three days of discussions, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Wednesday, reported PTI. "Indian team led by chief negotiator Darpan Jain will be visiting the US from 20th of this month. The negotiating teams will be meeting in person after a gap of about 3–4 months. We are looking at finalising the legal agreement, which is a logical follow-up of the joint statement released on February 7," he said.The February framework had outlined

tariff reductions by the US to 18% on Indian goods. However, subsequent developments have altered the trade environment.

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling struck down sweeping reciprocal tariffs introduced under President Donald Trump, after which a temporary 10% tariff was imposed on imports from all countries for 150 days starting February 24.Officials say the shift has reduced India’s earlier comparative advantage, as other trading partners are now subject to the same tariff rate."So the agreement will have to be recalibrated, redrafted," a government source said, adding, "that amount of change will take place from their side"."In our case, since the agreement has not been signed, we have got the option where we can right now change whatever needs to be changed," the source added.The talks will also address two ongoing Section 301 investigations launched by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) covering multiple economies, including India.

"Both sides will sit together and discuss how these issues need to be structured and addressed. India and the US will work together to finalise timelines and next steps as part of the ongoing engagement," Agrawal said.India has already submitted its response to the probes, which examine trade practices related to forced labour and industrial policies.Officials said New Delhi will seek commitments that restore its competitive edge in the U.S. market under the revised agreement.