India’s trade discussions with the United States will continue to remain on track even as the two countries navigate one of their sharpest trade and diplomatic strains in recent times, the Ministry of Commerce confirmed on Friday.
The update came after Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to the US on September 22, during which he met Ambassador Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative, and Sergio Gor, US Ambassador-designate to India.
“Apart from meetings with US government representatives on bilateral trade matters, the delegation held discussions with key US-based businesses and investors on promoting trade and investment between India and the United States,” the Ministry said in a release following the visit.
Tensions between New Delhi and Washington have risen since the Trump administration imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods in August, first raising them by 25 per cent and then another 25 per cent.
The move was a response to India’s continued oil imports from Russia. New Delhi described the tariffs as “unfair and unjustified,” emphasizing that its energy policy is guided by market realities and national interest. Tensions were further exacerbated by strict US regulations on H1B visas, imposing a fee of USD 100,000 per year on H-1B holders.
Despite these disagreements, both countries have assured that trade talks will continue. US officials, including Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, visited New Delhi last week to resume discussions on a long-pending trade deal, and Indian delegates visited the US on Monday to continue talks.
During his visit, Goyal highlighted India’s expects to expand trade with the US in energy products in the coming years, noting that the country’s energy security goals would involve significant US participation.
