India says "no commitments" on US tariff cuts, trade talks ongoing

India has denied making any commitments to reduce import duties on US products, following US President Donald Trump’s claim that New Delhi agreed to "cut tariffs way down." Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal informed a Parliamentary panel that trade negotiations between the two countries are ongoing, but no final agreement has been reached. India has sought time until September 2025 to address tariff-related concerns raised by the United States.

Barthwal, addressing concerns from panel members, stated, "One cannot go by the US President's claims and media reports as the bilateral trade agreement talks between the two nations are still on. India has not committed to anything on trade tariffs to the US." He added that India favors trade liberalization but will not lower tariffs indiscriminately, particularly in sectors vital to its domestic economy. He emphasized that any agreement would be negotiated bilaterally with national interests as the priority.

President Trump, who has introduced new trade restrictions globally since beginning his second term, recently criticized India’s tariff policies, calling them “massive” and "almost restrictive." He claimed that India had agreed to reduce duties after pressure from his administration. The US has announced reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India, set to take effect next month.

Meanwhile, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has described India's tariffs as among the highest in the world and urged New Delhi to reconsider its stance. Speaking at an event, he highlighted the need for India to open up its agricultural sector for imports and called for a smarter trade strategy with the US. Barthwal, however, reiterated that India would only sign a trade deal that ensures mutual benefits and protects domestic interests.

Both countries continue to negotiate a long-term trade agreement, focusing on broad economic cooperation rather than immediate tariff adjustments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following his visit to Washington, stated that India and the US were working on a "mutually beneficial trade agreement" expected to be finalized soon. However, no official timeline has been announced.