'Can't cross some red lines': Government officials tell Parliamentary Panel on India-US trade talks; focus on export diversification amidst Trump tariffs
India-US trade deal talks: Senior officials from the central government, engaged in trade discussions with the US, have indicated that whilst the current phase in trade relations is challenging, India maintains certain non-negotiable positions.
They have emphasised India's dedication to resolving all pending matters with the US through constructive dialogue and reciprocal respect.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, alongside Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, India's principal negotiator for the US trade agreement, accompanied by various Union government officials, provided a detailed briefing to the parliamentary committee on external affairs. The committee, led by Congress MP and former Union minister
Shashi Tharoor
, received comprehensive insights from the officials.
India-US trade: Red lines won't be crossed
According to an ET report, the parliamentary panel was told that India would not cross some red lines.
The officials addressed worries about a perceived decline in Indo-US relations, emphasising that trade represents only one component of the bilateral relationship. They highlighted significant developments, including President Donald Trump's approval for Tahawwur Rana's extradition during Prime Minister Modi's visit, the designation of The Resistance Front as a terrorist organisation, and the US initiative in the UN Security Council to condemn the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
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Commerce ministry representatives delivered a presentation to the committee, addressing the strategies implemented to counter the effects of US tariffs.
According to sources referencing the commerce ministry's documentation to the committee, the Department of Commerce is developing an export diversification plan.
This plan aims to maximise benefits from India's existing trade agreements with the UAE, Australia, ASEAN, Japan, Korea and Mauritius, whilst simultaneously exploring new trading opportunities with potential partners like EFTA and UK.
The negotiations with the EU are being accelerated to reach a swift conclusion, according to sources. During discussions with the panel, commerce ministry representatives indicated that Indo-US trade relations are experiencing a challenging period, whilst external affairs ministry officials highlighted specific non-negotiable boundaries for India.
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Officials emphasised that India maintains a resolute yet constructive stance on tariffs. They noted that India has been unwillingly pulled into a geopolitical situation that it neither created nor wishes to take sides in. The implementation of one-sided, punitive actions against third countries only undermines confidence and disrupts international trade standards. According to panel sources referencing official documentation, the US action demonstrates a continued application of inconsistent standards by certain sections of the global community.
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