NEW DELHI: As former U.S. President Donald Trump renews threats of imposing reciprocal tariffs on India, the Indian government on Friday reiterated its commitment to a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the U.S. and confirmed that negotiations are progressing. Additionally, India urged U.S. authorities to take action against the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) group.
According to the government, both nations are working on a framework for the BTA, which aims to expand trade, enhance market access, lower tariff and non-tariff barriers, and strengthen supply chain integration.
“In pursuit of this goal, our commerce and industry minister visited the U.S. from March 3-7, where he met with the U.S. commerce secretary and the U.S. trade representative. The Government of India remains engaged with the U.S. administration at multiple levels to achieve a mutually beneficial multi-sector trade agreement,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated.
India believes the negotiations should be viewed in the broader context of its ongoing trade liberalization efforts. The country has recently reduced tariffs significantly for key developed nations, including Australia, the UAE, Switzerland, and Norway, under mutually beneficial trade agreements.
No Reciprocal Tariffs Imposed Yet
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada clarified in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha that the U.S. has not yet imposed any country-specific reciprocal tariffs on India.
However, he noted that additional duties on steel and aluminum imports from all countries—including India—have been implemented by the U.S. without exemptions. He assured that the impact of these duties is being closely monitored.
India Calls for U.S. Action Against SFJ
Regarding U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Jaiswal confirmed that India has urged Washington to take action against the India-proscribed SFJ group.
“During her discussions in India, we conveyed our concerns regarding anti-India elements and secessionist activities in the U.S. We expect appropriate action from U.S. authorities on this matter,” Jaiswal said.
He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s similar concerns about anti-India activities in New Zealand, which he raised in a recent meeting with New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon. “We hope to receive support from the New Zealand government in addressing these issues of concern,” Jaiswal added.
