India is positioning tariff safeguards and improved market access as non-negotiable prerequisites before finalizing a comprehensive trade agreement with the United States.
The stance comes as US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer prepares for a two-day visit to New Delhi on June 23-24 to advance stalled negotiations.
Indian officials are signaling they will not be rushed into a deal that fails to address structural imbalances, particularly regarding competitive positioning against other Asian economies.
The hardline posture reflects New Delhi’s intent to maintain protective tariffs on key sectors while seeking greater access for Indian exports in the US market.
This approach complicates the US administration’s broader strategy to secure bilateral trade pacts that reduce reliance on China and other Asian manufacturing hubs.
The negotiations are occurring against the backdrop of an ongoing Section 301 probe, which has heightened tensions and increased the stakes for both sides.