Congress MP Shashi Tharoor chaired a high-level review of India’s trade negotiations with the United States on August 11, as the parliamentary standing committee on external affairs examined the impact of the Trump administration’s steep tariffs and ongoing bilateral talks.
Senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, including Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefed 22 out of the 30 committee members. They assured lawmakers that India’s “red lines” particularly in fisheries, dairy, and agriculture, would not be crossed and reiterated that the visit of US negotiators scheduled for late August remained on track.
Barthwal emphasised the “deep-rooted and long-standing” nature of India-US relations, while noting that India seeks the best possible trade deal without compromising national interests or citizen welfare.
The meeting also touched upon geopolitical concerns, with one member flagging a recent statement by Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, seen as a veiled nuclear threat against India, made during his visit to the US. Some MPs urged the government to take a firmer stand with Washington. Misri responded that India had already issued a strong statement and would continue to raise the issue.
“It was not appreciated that Munir made this statement while standing on the soil of our friendly country. We will inform everyone about this,” Tharoor said.
Lawmakers questioned why India had been targeted with 50 percent tariffs, while countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Pakistan faced much lower duties. Officials urged patience until the conclusion of trade talks, but acknowledged the negative effects of higher tariffs on India’s economy. They also noted Washington’s unease over BRICS’ growing influence and India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
In response to concerns about delayed defence equipment deals, officials clarified that the agreements were postponed due to technical reasons, not cancelled.
Committee members also discussed the potential implications of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Tharoor said, “If the war ends, that tariff will also end. But we still need to work on the remaining 25 percent, as that too is affecting us.”
The review concluded with officials reiterating that India’s negotiating team would maintain a firm position in protecting key sectors while pursuing a balanced agreement.
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