New Delhi, March 26, 2025 – India will prioritize its national interests, especially those concerning the agriculture sector, during ongoing talks for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States, said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday. Addressing a policy symposium hosted by the Asia Society Policy Institute, Jaishankar emphasized that India’s negotiating team is well-equipped to safeguard the country’s strategic and economic concerns.
India Committed to a Balanced Trade Deal
Referring to the long-standing discussions around a trade agreement with the US, Jaishankar stated, “Our negotiators are fully aware of the challenges and sensitivities. Agriculture remains a key area of concern, but we should not pre-empt the outcome of the negotiations.”
Talks on the India-US BTA initially began during former US President Donald Trump’s tenure but saw limited progress. However, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US in February 2025, both nations renewed their commitment to finalizing the trade deal by the end of the year.
Concerns Over Tariff Hike by Trump Administration
Former President Donald Trump, widely expected to seek re-election, recently warned of a tariff hike beginning April 2, 2025, targeting countries that impose import duties on American goods. India, along with several other nations, could face the brunt of such a policy—impacting sectors like dairy, poultry, and food grains.
India’s former WTO negotiator J.S. Deepak raised this concern during the symposium, pointing to US pressure on India regarding tariff relaxation and trade exemptions. Responding, Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm stance and confidence in its trade team to manage such external pressures.
Dialogue with China Also Underway
In addition to US trade relations, Jaishankar touched on India-China diplomatic engagement, noting modest progress in bilateral ties since the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict. “India seeks a return to normalcy. While the past few years have strained ties, we remain open to constructive dialogue,” he said.
Jaishankar acknowledged that 2020–2025 had not been favorable for India-China relations but expressed hope that both sides can restore mutual trust and stability.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.