US-India trade talks likely to be deferred amid tariff row
New Delhi: The next round of US-India trade negotiations, scheduled for August 25–29 in New Delhi, is likely to be deferred to a later date, an Indian official said.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the meeting was planned as the sixth round of talks on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA). Five rounds have already been completed, with Washington and New Delhi earlier announcing plans to conclude the first phase of the BTA by fall 2025. Both sides aim to more than double their bilateral trade to 500 billion US dollars by 2030, from the current 191 billion dollars.
The deferment comes in the backdrop of Washington’s imposition of heavy tariffs on Indian goods. A 25 per cent duty on Indian exports to the US took effect on August 7, while an additional 25 per cent penalty—linked to India’s purchase of crude oil and military equipment from Russia—will be enforced from August 27.
Observers note that the US is pressing for greater market access in politically sensitive areas such as agriculture and dairy, demands that New Delhi cannot accept as they threaten the livelihood of millions of small and marginal farmers. Indian officials have repeatedly stressed that the country “will not compromise” on protecting its farmers and cattle rearers.
Meanwhile, data from India’s Commerce Ministry shows that during April–July 2025, Indian exports to the US rose by 21.64 per cent to 33.53 billion dollars, while imports increased by 12.33 per cent to 17.41 billion dollars. The United States remained India’s largest trading partner in this period, with bilateral trade worth 12.56 billion dollars.
Analysts say the rescheduling of talks reflects growing strains in US-India trade relations, despite New Delhi’s efforts to showcase positive export trends.
