Trump’s 90-day tariff stopped a test for India. Use it to set interim guidelines, not large reforms

In global trade sometimes developed landscapes, some bilateral relations are strategically important-and periodically stressful-like India and the United States. TeaQuarrel They Should be natural partner in technology, defenCE, climate action, And global relations, two democrats have often found themselves in cross-days on their trade policies. But 2 april, Tusrap ADministration slaps India with 26 percent Excessive Trade dutyBut announced A 90-day adjournment a week later,

India is expected to use this period long to address trade imbalances and shape a more equitable framework for future cooperation. communicateIon will Flirting in complex issues from agricultural exports and digital trade to drug pricing and e-commerce regulation, India will be keen to move forward through the terms of talks during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to America this year.

India-US tariff tension

over the past decade, Indo-America Bilateral trade has expanded considerably, In 2023-24, America was India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade crossing $ 119 billion, HAnything, this increase has not happened without friction. America has expressed constant concern over India’s tariff regime, which it considers among the highest For one Major economyy,

“Prime Minister [Modi] just left. He is a great friend of mine, but I said, ‘You are my friend, but you are not treating us properly.’ They charge 52 percent from us. You have to understand, we charge them for almost nothing, years and years and decades,, President Trump said after Modi’s visit in February. In turn, India expressed disappointment over everything that has seen as America’s reluctance to accommodate the developmental needs of emerging economies.

Stress increased in 2019 When America puts tariffs Of 25 percent On Indian steel and 10 percent on Aluminum, citing national security concerns. India responded with anti -counterfeit tariffWho After this, India was rejected by Trump administration benefits Under the generalized system of preferences (GSP)it wantEd Around $ 6 billion in Indian exports. The fact is that India and America do not have A comprehensive bilateral trade agreement and complexS Case.

W.Ith Trump increased trade tension, especially with China, 90-day adjournmentS Until a rare opportunity to strikeET The iron is hot,

For India, temporary suspension of additional tariffs – as long as effective 9 July- A glimpse of both short-term relief and strategic uncertainty. This stagnation protects Indian exports from immediate tariff shock in major areas such as steel, auto parts and electronics. However, it also determines the platform for high-day talks within a limited time limit, Washington hopesS Quick movement on business issues for a long time.

Challenge for Indian negotiators Have to secure Domestic priorities While safe steady And Long -term access in the US market.

Also read: Why America can destroy everyone and still be strong

current TeaArif Narrogance

NIndia and America are ego Re -participation Tariff and obstructing a wide range of non-tariff barriersIng bilateral trade. Dialogue address Separating asymmetry in tariff structures, market access concerns and regulatory approaches.

India keeps more tariffs relatively In Agriculture (39.9 percent 5.3 percent compared to America)Automobile (24 percent vs 1 percent)And industrial goodsAccording to this, American business officers create an uneven sports ground for American exporters.

Heyn second hand, India Has long demanded more access to the US market for its pharmaceutical products, textiles and efficient servicesIt has been interrupted by us Concern over intellectual property protection, regulator compliance and visa restrictions.

Similarly, America Scene Proposal of Digital Services Taxes as India’s data localization requirements and discriminatory against American technical firms. But India should defend these measures to ensure data sovereignty – oUr data Sure Stay Our own hands.

A Strong US-India Trade relations Desire Add reliability to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and quad, And Strengthens India’s role as a major economic and security partner in the region.

On the other hand, Any Tariff Wars, Vennerable Duties and Trust Declaration created by incompatible policy Desire Weak Investment opportunities and Long -term Collaboration,

Also read: The China-US Trade War has similarities with Japan in WW2. Will it grow for military conflict?

implications for POlinic Dcoincidence

With the protectionism of Trump-era, once again shaping Washington’s business posture, India faces a dual challenge to defend their economic interests by strengthening their role as a reliable, rule-based partner.

90 -day stay on tariff should be used Not to apply To broaden trading reforms but to secure targeted, confident-making agreementsThis includes Reducing tariffs on specific industrial goods, increasing regulatory cooperation in pharmaceuticals, and establishing interim guidelines for digital trade. Such incremental progress can once do ground work for extensive talks in political circumstances.SE in both countries.

US vice president JD It is expected to visit India this monthHe Will probably build TeaHe made bilateral trade agreement (BTA), which was unveiled after a meeting between Modi and Trump 13 February – The day the US announced its new mutual tariff structure. Both countries have set a target to expand bilateral trade from the current $ 200 billion $ 500 billion By 2030.

India should also take an entire government’s approach to trade diplomacy. It must be attached American stakeholder beyond the executive branchSTate Governments, Business Lobby and Civil Society Groups Can help size A more flexible business partnership.

If handed over cleverly, The 90-day reprise can serve as a strategic reset, which helps both nations to navigate economic nationalism at home, preserving the long-term vision of high-confidence, high-development economic relations.

Meenakshi Lekhi is a BJP leader, lawyer and social worker. His X handle is @m_lekhi. Views are personal.

(Edited by Prasanna Bachahav)