Anadolu staff
September 16, 2025•Update: September 16, 2025
ANKARA
India and the US held “positive” trade talks Tuesday as both resumed discussion amid tensions about 50% tariffs on Indian goods by the Trump administration, partly for purchasing Russian oil as the war in Ukraine continues.
A team of officials led by US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch held discussions in New Delhi with Indian officials, according to a statement by New Delhi’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
“Acknowledging the enduring importance of bilateral trade between India and the US, the discussions were ‘positive and forward looking’ covering various aspects of the trade deal,” it said.
It was decided to “intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement," it added.
Lynch arrived in the capital late Monday to discuss the trade deal. It was the first in-person engagement between the two nations since US President Donald Trump imposed punitive measures in August.
Tensions escalated when the US imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, later doubling it to 50% in response to India's continued imports of Russian oil.
Ahead of the talks, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said India was the “maharaja of tariffs” but was now “coming to the table.”
“Indian refiners were in bed with Russian refiners immediately after the invasion. They make money off us via unfair trade and many workers get screwed. They use that money to buy Russian oil, and Russians use that to buy weapons,” he told CNBC International on Monday.
Trump said last week that Washington and New Delhi are continuing negotiations to address trade barriers.
Reacting to Trump’s post, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described India and the US as “close friends and natural partners,” said he is “confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership.”
India had earlier termed the US surcharge “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
US goods and services trade with India totaled an estimated $212.3 billion in 2024, according to the US administration.
