- India is hosting high-level trade talks this week with both the United States and the United Kingdom.
- A US trade delegation led by Brendan Lynch and UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle are visiting New Delhi.
- India is seeking stronger protections for its exporters amid global trade and geopolitical challenges.
- New Delhi has warned it may reconsider some concessions under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement if Indian steel exports are not exempted from upcoming UK safeguard duties.
- The UK’s steel safeguard measures are expected to come into effect next month and could impact Indian steel exports.
- India is also pushing the US for exemptions from potential tariffs arising from ongoing American trade investigations.
- Negotiations come as the Iran conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz affect India’s energy supplies and export routes.
- Analysts believe future US trade actions could still occur even after a bilateral agreement.
- The US has launched Section 301 investigations into several countries, including India, over concerns such as forced labour and excess production capacity.
- India has urged the US to resolve these issues through trade negotiations rather than unilateral tariff actions.
- US and Indian officials are scheduled to hold fresh trade talks in New Delhi starting this week.
- UK discussions will focus on speeding up implementation of the India-UK trade pact and addressing India’s concerns over steel market access.
- India has indicated it could reduce tariff concessions on certain British products, including Scotch whisky, if the steel dispute remains unresolved.
- The outcome of these negotiations is expected to play a significant role in India’s trade and investment strategy amid growing global economic uncertainty.