Tensions Between India and US to Ease? Trade Talks with Trump’s Envoy in Delhi Today

India and the United States are resuming face-to-face trade talks in New Delhi today. This marks the first such meeting following the imposition of punitive tariffs by the US on India concerning its purchase of Russian oil. A high-level US trade delegation, led by Brendan Lynch, the Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, will meet with Indian officials in what is considered a crucial meeting to chart the future of trade negotiations. The US trade team was initially scheduled to arrive in India from August 25-29 for the sixth round of talks on a bilateral trade agreement, but this was postponed due to Washington’s imposition of a 50% tariff on India, including a 25% punitive duty on oil purchases from Russia. Since then, both sides have been holding virtual meetings on a weekly basis. The Indian officials will include Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, and other senior officials. Officials from the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs will also be present at the meeting.