US Trade Official Set to Visit India Just Days Before Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff Takes Effect

Brendan Lynch, the assistant U.S. trade representative for South and Central Asia, will be in India for five days starting March 25. This visit comes just days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs take effect on April 2.

Lynch plans to meet with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and several senior Indian officials. One topic of discussion will be a potential waiver for India from the upcoming tariffs. Both sides are also set to negotiate a framework for a bilateral trade agreement that targets issues like tariffs and market access.

A U.S. official noted that this visit highlights America’s commitment to building a strong trade relationship with India. The U.S. values ongoing discussions on trade and investment and aims for constructive outcomes.

India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal indicated that negotiations with the U.S. are actively ongoing. These discussions are not just about tariffs; they aim for an agreement that benefits both nations.

Trump’s recent tariff announcements have raised concerns about a potential global trade war, prompting various countries to implement counter-measures. Back in February, after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump in Washington, both leaders agreed to push forward with negotiations for a trade agreement, with an initial target of 2025.

The U.S. has been implementing its "America First" strategy, which includes reciprocal tariffs against countries with higher import levies on U.S. goods. In contrast, India has made efforts to lower tariffs for key trading partners like Australia and the European Union.

In its recent budget for 2025-26, India announced plans to reduce tariffs on products like Bourbon whiskey and electric vehicles (EVs), signaling a willingness to negotiate. This move aims to foster better relations with the U.S.

Moreover, the U.S. is encouraging India to purchase more American energy resources and military equipment to help reduce a significant trade deficit, which is around $45 billion in India’s favor.

In 2023, the U.S. stood as India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $190 billion. The U.S. also ranked as the third largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India, accounting for nearly 6% of total equity inflows last year.

Overall, these discussions reflect a vital moment for both countries on the world trade stage. As negotiations unfold, the outcomes may set the tone for future trade relations not only between India and the U.S. but also in the broader global economy. For those curious about current trade dynamics, this report from the World Trade Organization offers valuable insights and statistics.

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