Overview

• Speaking on Oct. 5, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India is actively working to reach a landing ground in talks with Washington.
• India labels the U.S. duties unfair, noting a 25% tariff plus an additional 25% tied to Russian oil purchases.
• Five rounds of bilateral trade negotiations concluded by late September, complemented by weekly virtual engagements between the two sides.
• A sixth round previously slated for late August was postponed after the tariff escalation, though officials reported positive discussions during mid-September meetings.
• Jaishankar pointed to broader geoeconomic shifts influencing the dispute, citing expanded sanctions, competition for critical minerals, and changing energy dynamics with the U.S. as an exporter and China leading in renewables.