Trade advisor Donald Trump stated that India was coming to the negotiation table, with US chief negotiator Brendan Lynch meeting in Delhi for a one-day talk on the bilateral trade agreement. Navarro pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent statements pointed to a positive course of action, whereas President Trump was optimistic that a successful agreement would be concluded.
The two leaders communicated their commitment to society through social media. Trump said he was looking to have talks with Modi and hoped for progress, and Modi said he was confident in the potential of the India-US relationship.
Navarro once again criticized India's high tariffs, accusing them of being the highest of the leading economies. He also cited non-tariff barriers as a problem in trade relations and added that Washington is still dealing with such issues around the world.
He also discussed issues concerning India's acquisition of Russian oil, saying that Indian refiners were importing more oil after the conflict between Russia and Ukraine broke out in 2022. He says this arrangement brought about an imbalance in which US workers are disadvantaged when India enjoys the benefits of discounted oil purchases. Navarro believed that indirectly, this practice would empower Russia to finance its war programs.
The latest meeting follows five previous rounds of trade talks. The sixth round, which was to be held at the end of August, was postponed when Trump declared new 50% tariffs on Indian goods. As clarified by India's chief negotiator, Rajesh Agarwal, this week's meeting is not the real sixth round of the discussions but will serve as direction for further talks.
Agarwal explained that both parties have been having weekly virtual interactions, but he pointed to global trade conditions slowing progress. He stated that the present situation gives the chance to proceed, and the discussions on Tuesday may be an intro to the next formal round.
The result of the Delhi talks can help develop the long-awaited bilateral trade agreement, which the two parties explain as the key to strengthening their economic relations.