India and the United States have decided to postpone important trade talks that were due to begin this week. The move comes after the US Supreme Court ruled that the former administration’s authority to impose wide‑ranging tariffs was not valid, creating new uncertainty in trade policy.
An Indian delegation was due to travel to Washington to finalise an interim trade deal. Earlier this month, both countries agreed on a framework that would cut US tariffs on Indian products from higher rates down to about 18%. India in return agreed to expand purchases of US goods.
However, after the US court struck down parts of the tariffs and the US later announced a temporary 15% tariff on all imports, both governments agreed to delay talks until they can fully study the implications of these changes. No new dates have yet been set for the negotiations.
India’s commerce ministry said officials need time to assess what the court decision and new tariff regime mean for their existing plans and the interim trade deal. The delegation’s visit was expected to shape the final wording of the agreement, which could still take effect in April if issues are resolved.
The pause reflects broader uncertainty over the direction of US trade policy and how new tariff rules will affect trade with India.
