In a recent address at the Economic Club of New York, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described India’s approach to trade talks as ‘pragmatic’, emphasising that both nations are actively seeking a mutually agreeable deal.
“The Indians are being pragmatic. We’ve been engaging with them from day one of the administration. The negotiations are focused on reciprocal tariffs and finding common ground,” Greer said during a fireside chat.
His comments come days after his meeting with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New York on 22 September, where both delegations held constructive discussions on key trade issues.
Progress Towards a Trade Agreement
According to officials, the discussions centred on resolving long-standing tariff barriers and defining the contours of an interim trade deal.
A statement from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry noted that both sides agreed to continue engagements for the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
Sources familiar with the talks revealed optimism that an interim understanding could be reached soon, signalling a positive step in bilateral economic relations.
Greer also addressed the issue of the additional 25 per cent tariffs imposed on India over its purchase of Russian oil, clarifying that the United States does not intend to dictate sovereign choices.
“India has not always been dependent on Russian oil. They are a sovereign country, and we are not trying to dictate their relations,” he said, adding that New Delhi understands Washington’s objective of ending the war in Ukraine and is already diversifying its energy sources.
He noted that India is not alone in importing Russian oil, pointing out that European nations and China have continued similar purchases.
Strategic Value of India
Greer’s remarks align with the broader sentiment expressed by US leaders. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, following a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the UN General Assembly, described India as a ‘critical’ partner and welcomed continued trade dialogue.
Rubio later suggested that the Trump administration is open to revisiting the additional tariffs, signalling flexibility in Washington’s approach.
Responding to questions on energy imports, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s stance that there should be no double standards in the global energy market, referencing the US call for European and G7 nations to cease buying Russian oil and gas.
With both sides acknowledging progress, the ongoing discussions reflect a maturing trade partnership.
India’s pragmatic approach has encouraged optimism in Washington and paves the way for a comprehensive trade agreement to foster mutual growth and strategic alignment.
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