India-US
India's red lines must be respected: S Jaishankar on US trade deal
India has stressed that any trade deal with the United States must respect its “red lines,” amid tensions over Washington’s imposition of additional tariffs on New Delhi.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said during an event in New Delhi on Sunday that negotiations with the US were ongoing and the aim was to reach a trade understanding that protects India’s national interests.
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“Today, we have issues with the United States. We haven't yet arrived at a landing ground in our trade discussions. In addition, there is a certain tariff being levied on us, which we have publicly said are unfair,” Jaishankar was quoted as saying by ANI, referring to the 25 percent tariff on American exports to India and another 25 percent tariff related to India’s purchase of oil from Russia.
He said, “There are problems, there are issues, nobody is in denial of it. Those issues need to be negotiated, discussed, and resolved, which is exactly what we are trying to do.”
Jaishankar emphasized that a trade understanding with the US was essential. “I deal in a world of realities, and my reality right now is at 25 percent and 25 percent of a 50 percent tariff, and that is what we are negotiating. So, whatever happens at the end of the day, there has got to be a trade understanding with the United States.”
He stressed that any agreement must safeguard India’s core interests: “There has to be one because it is the world's largest market, but also because much of the world has reached those understandings. But it has to be an understanding where our bottom lines, our red lines are respected.”
The Trump administration, previously viewed as India-friendly, imposed the tariffs citing India’s high duties on American exports and its significant purchases of discounted Russian crude oil, which critics in the US say indirectly support Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
India, which imports over 30 percent of its crude from Russia, has said it will take all measures necessary to protect its national interests and economic security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has affirmed that India will not compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen, and livestock rearers.
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