Overview

• US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch is in India from March 25-29 for critical trade negotiations ahead of the April 2 reciprocal tariff deadline.
• India has proposed reducing tariffs on 55% of US imports, valued at $23 billion, to mitigate potential impacts of the tariffs on its $66 billion in exports to the US.
• Key sticking points include India's exclusion of certain sectors, such as agriculture, from tariff cuts and its push for temporary relief from the reciprocal tariffs.
• Both nations aim to finalize a framework for a bilateral trade agreement, addressing tariffs, market access, and trade imbalances, while targeting $500 billion in trade by 2030.
• Negotiations must navigate WTO rules to create an exclusive trade framework and avoid extending concessions to other member nations.