As the United States prepares to implement 26 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Indian imports starting April 9, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary Marco Rubio to discuss the evolving trade landscape and wider geopolitical concerns.

Jaishankar and Rubio discuss Indo-Pacific, trade deal

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar shared that he and Secretary Rubio exchanged views on several global regions including the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. A key focus of the conversation was the early conclusion of a Bilateral Trade Agreement between India and the United States.

“Good to speak with Secretary Marco Rubio today… Agreed on the importance of the early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement,” Jaishankar wrote.

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Trump administration presses forward with tariffs

While a baseline 10% tariff on all trading partners took effect on April 5, the 26% country-specific duty on Indian goods will be enforced starting April 9.

Notably, India faces a lower tariff burden than China (34%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (36%), and Indonesia (32%), countries more deeply tied into China’s supply chain.

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India reviews impact, seeks trade opportunity

The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry has said it is analysing the implications of the new US policy. It is engaging stakeholders, including exporters and industry groups, to assess potential risks and explore new trade opportunities.

“The US President issued an executive order on reciprocal tariffs… the remaining country-specific additional ad valorem duty will take effect from April 9, 2025,” the ministry noted in a statement.

Talks are ongoing between Indian and US trade negotiators to finalise a multi-sectoral trade deal. Discussions aim to deepen supply chain integration and boost trade, investment, and tech transfers between the two nations.