India will push for an exemption from President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs when US trade officials arrive in the country on Tuesday for discussions on a potential bilateral trade agreement, Bloomberg reported. Brendan Lynch, the US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, will lead a delegation visiting India from March 25-29 as part of ongoing negotiations.
According to the Bloomberg report, Indian officials are expected to make their case for relief from the reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect on April 2. The report further quoted sources as saying that the discussions will also lay the groundwork for a formal trade agreement between the two nations.
In addition to trade negotiations, Lynch may reportedly meet India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during the visit.
India, known for having one of the highest average tariff rates among major economies, has been a key target of Trump’s trade policies. Trump has repeatedly criticised India’s import taxes, calling them unfair to American businesses. Just last week, Trump reaffirmed his stance that India would not be exempt from the reciprocal duties.
Despite the friction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has taken steps to address Washington’s concerns. Modi’s recent White House visit in February resulted in agreements to strengthen trade ties and work toward a formal bilateral deal by November. The two leaders also discussed India’s purchase of more American energy and defense equipment.
As part of its trade strategy, India has already reduced import duties on several US goods, including bourbon whiskey and high-end motorcycles like Harley Davidson models. Additionally, officials are considering lowering tariffs on automobiles, agricultural products and chemicals, the report stated.