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India-US Trade Talks: Tariff Offers Before Modi-Trump Meet

16 March 20251 min read
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRSIndia-US TradeTalks: TariffOffers BeforeModi-Trump Meet16 March 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

With PM Modi set to meet President Trump, India readied concessions to calm trade tensions, mainly easing duties on selected American farm goods.

Key facts

  • Duty on US almonds already lowered; further relief considered for pecan nuts.
  • India planned a fact sheet showing duties on most large US industrial exports are low or zero, to rebut the “tariff abuser” label.
  • India’s ask: return of GSP benefits, withdrawn in 2019.

US approach

  • Trump has earlier used tariffs as leverage, as with Canada and Mexico.
  • USISPF President Mukesh Aghi felt the “art of the deal” style could still produce a win-win result.
  • Washington wants a Free Trade Agreement, more Indian purchases of US equipment and more energy exports.

Exam angle

  • GSP: Generalized System of Preferences.
  • USISPF: US India Strategic Partnership Forum.

Test yourself

1. India's import duty on US pecan nuts was cut from 100% to what level in early 2023?

The notes state pecan nut duty fell from 100% to 30%.

2. India sought restoration of which US trade preference that Trump cancelled in 2019?

India wanted its GSP benefits, cancelled in 2019, restored.

3. Who, as USISPF President, described Trump's tariff approach as the 'art of the deal'?

USISPF President Mukesh Aghi used the phrase.