In a crucial statement delivered to the Rajya Sabha, the Indian government firmly denied that it had agreed to any tariff reductions with the United States, following recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal addressed concerns raised by Parliament members, clarifying that while trade talks between India and the U.S. are progressing, no concrete agreements regarding tariff reductions have been finalized.
President Trump had previously claimed that India had agreed to lower its tariffs on American goods in exchange for trade concessions. However, Barthwal categorically rejected these claims, asserting that India’s position on tariffs had remained unchanged and that the government was carefully considering the implications of any tariff adjustments as part of ongoing negotiations.
In his address, Barthwal outlined the government’s long-standing approach to trade negotiations, emphasizing that India’s tariff policies are designed to protect vital sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and small industries. These sectors, Barthwal explained, are essential to India’s economic stability and cannot be sacrificed for short-term trade benefits.
The Commerce Secretary reassured the Rajya Sabha that India’s trade policy would continue to prioritize the welfare of its people and industries, and any reductions in tariffs would only be made if they were part of a mutually beneficial deal. He stressed that India’s economic growth, job creation, and domestic market protection remain the primary goals of the government’s trade strategy.
Barthwal further clarified that the U.S. and India’s trade negotiations are ongoing, but no agreement had yet been reached. The government, he said, is committed to engaging with the U.S. in a fair and transparent manner, ensuring that any final trade agreement would take into account the economic interests of both nations.
In response to President Trump’s criticism of India’s trade practices, Barthwal emphasized that India supports free and fair trade but also must protect its domestic industries from unfair competition. He explained that India’s tariffs are in line with global trade norms and are aimed at balancing imports and exports while shielding local businesses from external economic shocks.
The Centre’s response in the Rajya Sabha served to clarify India’s stance on the ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S., reiterating that any trade deal must be fair and beneficial for both countries. India would not, Barthwal made clear, make any hasty or unilateral decisions that could undermine its long-term economic stability.
The government’s message to the Rajya Sabha was a resounding one: India’s position on tariffs and trade negotiations with the U.S. remains steady, and the government will not bow to external pressures when it comes to protecting its domestic industries and economy. Trade discussions will continue on India’s terms, ensuring that any agreements made are in the best interests of the nation.