Overview

• Howard Lutnick said India has addressed US concerns over its Russian arms purchases and BRICS alignment to keep negotiations on track.
• The United States is pushing for lower Indian tariffs and “reasonable access” for American businesses to help reduce a persistent trade deficit.
• India will seek preferential entry for its exporters into key US markets under the interim pact being negotiated.
• President Trump’s close rapport with Prime Minister Modi has accelerated discussions with the aim of concluding the first tranche by late June.
• The emerging agreement is designed to encourage reshoring of advanced manufacturing to the US and boost India’s procurement of American defense equipment.