The new 15% universal levy overrides the interim tariff framework for India, under which Trump had slashed reciprocal duties from 25 percent to 18 percent. The trade deal is on, he says.
US President Donald Trump imposed a number of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, a law that had never been used for such action previously.
US had imposed penalty tariff on India at the end of August 2025, citing purchase of Russian oil. Trump, Modi announced reduction of reciprocal tariffs earlier Monday.
India’s merchandise exports to US remain positive, despite 50% tariffs, while imports from US grew by 12.85% in the first three quarters of the financial year.
UK, EFTA already in the bag and EU on the way, many members of RCEP except China signed up, and even restrictions on China being lifted, India has changed its mind on trade.
Two sides have held multiple rounds of negotiation to arrive at a balanced & mutually beneficial trade agreement & a deal was close on several occasions, asserts MEA.
India, Howard Lutnick says, was uncomfortable with a Modi-Trump call & that let a negotiated deal fall through & when Delhi was ready for a deal, Washington wanted different terms.
In tactical terms, the shirtless protest was worse than a self-goal. Suddenly, the fiascos of the AI Summit were forgotten, and the Youth Congress’s disruption became the issue.
IAF is fine with accepting the aircraft with 'must-haves', even if some other steps remain pending, which may take at least another year, it is learnt.
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