Credited from: REUTERS
India has delayed plans to send a trade delegation to Washington this week primarily due to uncertainty following the US Supreme Court's decision that struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. A source from India's trade ministry noted that discussions led to the conclusion that deferring the visit was prudent, although no new date has been established yet for the negotiations, according to India Times, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.
The postponement comes after Trump's announcement of a temporary global tariff rate of 15%, a move described as the maximum allowed by law following the court's ruling that deemed his previous tariff impositions illegal. This targeted approach, impacting imports from all nations, was brought about amid ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement, according to India Times and Reuters.
The delegation was set to engage in discussions aimed at finalizing an interim trade deal that would see US tariffs on Indian goods decreased to 18%, while India planned to make substantial purchases of US products worth $500 billion over the next five years. This agreement would cover a range of goods including energy supplies, technology, and aircraft, suggesting a significant shift in economic relations, as noted by Channel News Asia and Reuters.
Further complicating these negotiations, India's opposition Congress party has positioned itself against the interim pact, calling for a detailed reassessment in light of the Supreme Court's recent ruling and expressing concern about the Prime Minister's advance declarations regarding the deal. The Indian trade ministry is currently studying the broader implications of these developments, indicating a cautious approach moving forward, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.