PM Modi(Credit:X)
India has not made any commitments to reduce trade tariffs for the United States, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal informed a Parliamentary panel on Monday. Barthwal’s statement came in response to recent claims by US President Donald Trump that India had agreed to “bring its tariffs way down.”
Briefing the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs, Barthwal clarified that trade negotiations between India and the US are ongoing and that no formal agreement on tariff reductions has been finalized.
India Rejects Trump’s Claims
Barthwal addressed concerns raised by several members of the panel over Trump’s remarks. He stated, “One cannot go by the US President’s claims and media reports as the bilateral trade agreement talks between the two nations are still on. India has not committed to anything on trade tariffs to the US.”
The Commerce Secretary emphasized that India’s trade policies would prioritize national interests during the negotiations. “India is in favor of free trade and supports trade liberalization to increase bilateral trade. However, we will not indiscriminately lower tariffs, especially in sectors crucial to the domestic economy,” Barthwal said.
He warned that a tariff war would serve no one’s interest and could even “trigger a recession.” Barthwal reiterated that India prefers to negotiate tariff reductions bilaterally rather than through multilateral pressure to protect domestic interests.
India’s Stand on Trade Tariffs
Barthwal asserted that India’s approach to trade talks with the US is focused on ensuring mutual benefit. He highlighted that comparisons with Canada and Mexico, which have actively challenged US tariff policies, are misplaced due to differing geopolitical and security dynamics.
“India will only sign a trade agreement that is mutually beneficial. We are not looking to rush into any agreement that could compromise India’s economic interests,” Barthwal told the panel.
Trump’s Statement
President Donald Trump, in his second term, has taken an aggressive stance on global trade. He has imposed tariffs on both allies and adversaries, accusing trading partners of unfair practices.
Last week, Trump renewed his criticism of India’s trade policies, calling them overly restrictive. “You can’t sell anything into India, it is almost restrictive. They have agreed, by the way, they want to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done,” Trump said.
Reports indicate that India has sought time until September 2025 to resolve the tariff dispute raised by the US. However, Barthwal maintained that India’s stance would remain focused on protecting its economic interests while seeking a balanced trade agreement.
