Overview
- Indian officials and multiple news outlets reported on November 13–14 that U.S. negotiators have promised India a lower tariff treatment than rival exporters, but that promise is conditional on the outcome of ongoing USTR Section 301 probes.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on November 14 that negotiators have resolved the bulk of issues and are in the “final stretch,” with both sides hoping to crystallize phase one around the G20 Summit and complete the first tranche by March 2027.
- A U.S. trade team visited New Delhi on November 2–3 to advance the customs and trade facilitation text, reflecting a focus on goods and border rules in the first, interim tranche of the deal.
- The interim first tranche is expected to cover only goods and customs measures while services—vital for India’s IT and professional exports—will be negotiated in a later phase.
- Negotiators face a key obstacle because U.S. tariffs have been reshaped by two Section 301 probes, including an earlier 10% duty tied to forced-labour findings, and India is seeking contractual safeguards to adjust concessions if Washington imposes new tariffs beyond agreed terms.