India, US Talk Trade & Indo-Pacific Ties Ahead Of Tariff Move

India and the United States held discussions on trade and regional security on Friday. The talks came just days before President Donald Trump’s proposed reciprocal tariff policy is likely to take effect.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri spoke over the phone. They reviewed defense collaboration and strategies to boost stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated, “They discussed ongoing efforts to reduce barriers to achieve a fair and balanced bilateral trade relationship, strengthen collaboration in defence and technology, and boost security and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region.”

According to the US Trade Representative’s office, the US had a $45.7 billion trade deficit with India in 2024 – a 5.4% increase over 2023.

The total trade in goods between both nations stood at $129.2 billion last year.

American exports to India rose to $41.8 billion in 2024, up by 3.4% from the previous year.

Meanwhile, imports from India reached $87.4 billion, marking a 4.5% rise.

President Trump has urged India to increase purchases from the US, criticizing New Delhi’s high tariffs on American products.

His administration may include India among the countries it targets with new tariffs, likely for announcement next Wednesday.

However, Trump has also hinted that some countries might receive exemptions, though he did not specify which ones.

During the call, Landau also expressed appreciation for India’s support in addressing illegal immigration. He requested continued cooperation on the matter, according to Bruce.

The US has deported hundreds of Indian nationals who entered the country without authorization.

The first group of deportees under the Trump administration returned to India in February 2025.

In a written reply to Parliament on March 17, India’s Ministry of External Affairs asserted, “The US has been carrying out deportation operations for several years now.”

“From 2009 to 2024, a total of 15,564 Indian nationals have been deported by the US through chartered and commercial flights,” the MEA further noted.