Overview

• The first formal round of India-U.S. trade talks has commenced in Washington, with discussions scheduled to last four days starting May 17.
• President Trump stated that India is willing to eliminate 100% of tariffs on U.S. goods, though he expressed no urgency to finalize the deal.
• Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated that negotiations are complex, and nothing is agreed upon until all issues are resolved.
• India seeks U.S. tariff relief on exports such as textiles, gems, leather, and agricultural products, while the U.S. is pushing for lower duties on items like wines, electric vehicles, and tree nuts.
• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is leading India's delegation and meeting with U.S. officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, to advance negotiations.