India-US trade talks hit 'plateau', finance minister says, as tariffs narrow room for deal
INDA•India's finance minister said trade talks with the United States have reached a plateau and further concessions may be difficult. She said potential US tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying significant Russian oil have narrowed room for compromise.
1. Talks reach a plateau
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India-US trade talks had reached a point where further give and take would be “very, very difficult” for both sides, though negotiations were continuing. The countries have been seeking a deal since February 2025.
2. Tariffs narrow room
Sitharaman said potential US tariffs on countries buying significant Russian oil had narrowed scope for a final compromise. A law signed by President Donald Trump gives him authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on such countries, including India and China.
3. Trade and concessions
The United States is India's top export destination. Indian goods shipments to the US rose to $42.79 billion from April to August, from $40.39 billion a year earlier. Sitharaman said the trade balance favored India and criticized the use of tariffs to address imbalances.
