reciprocal trade

India and the United States are nearing the finalization of their first bilateral trade agreement tranche, with most key details settled. A high-level US delegation is in New Delhi for crucial negotiations, aiming to conclude an interim pact. Both nations are confident of signing the agreement soon, building on a framework established in February.

Senior officials from India and the US are meeting in New Delhi to finalize an interim trade agreement and advance broader bilateral trade talks. Discussions will cover market access, customs, and investment, with potential recalibration of the deal due to recent US tariff changes. The agreement aims to boost trade and economic security between the two nations.

India's defence exports have soared to an unprecedented Rs 38,424 crore, with the US emerging as the top buyer for sub-systems and components. This remarkable growth, nearly tripling in five years, is fueled by strategic partnerships like the proposed Reciprocal Defence Procurement Agreement with the US and domestic reforms, positioning India as a global defence exporter.

India and Australia have significantly boosted their defence ties, agreeing to enhance interoperability, expand maritime security cooperation, and deepen military engagements. Key initiatives include joint exercises, reciprocal aircraft deployments, and increased information sharing. Discussions also focused on defence industrial collaboration, with plans for joint research and industry roundtables, strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Nepalese porters working on high-altitude treks in Uttarkashi are now required to register online as foreign nationals with passport and visa details. This new directive has stalled peak-season expeditions and created uncertainty for trekking agencies, who argue it violates the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950.

In a strategic move, the US is pushing to wrap up a trade deal with India that seeks to expand market access and lower trade obstacles, aiming for a remarkable $500 billion in trade by 2030. This agreement is set to bolster supply chain resiliency and attract foreign investments.

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Global powers are now vying for India's attention, recognizing its growing influence. While the US seeks to bolster trade, India has been actively forging significant trade agreements, positioning itself as a reliable and indispensable partner in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

A US delegation is expected to visit India next month for trade negotiations concerning a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA). This visit follows earlier discussions in Washington D.C. to finalize details of an interim trade pact and advance broader BTA negotiations. Both nations are committed to a mutually beneficial trade framework, with the agreement anticipated at an opportune time.

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US President Trump's China visit yielded trade and investment pacts, including Boeing aircraft and agricultural deals. Both nations agreed on Iran's nuclear non-proliferation and Strait of Hormuz access. Notably, Taiwan, a key discussion point, was omitted from the White House fact sheet, despite Trump hinting at reconsidering arms sales.

US staff and press accompanying President Trump reportedly discarded materials from Chinese officials before departing Beijing. This occurred despite public displays of goodwill, as behind-the-scenes tensions over security and media access surfaced during the visit, echoing past diplomatic friction.

Government sources indicate no immediate plans to hike gold and silver import duties, despite calls to curb non-essential gold purchases. Meanwhile, India anticipates US trade talks addressing pending issues, including a Section 301 probe, though a comprehensive deal remains distant. India has contested US allegations of structural overcapacity, urging the termination of the investigation.

President Trump's visit to China is overshadowed by the Iran War, which has disrupted global energy supplies and impacted his approval ratings. While trade and Taiwan remain on the agenda, the protracted conflict in Iran presents a significant challenge, with the US struggling to achieve its war aims and facing a decline in superpower status.

US courts have again blocked Trump's 10% global tariffs, deeming them unauthorized. This ruling, following earlier tariff invalidations, signals a return to WTO's MFN rates. For India, this policy instability raises concerns, prompting advice to pause Free Trade Agreement talks until US trade systems stabilize, preventing one-sided deals.

President Donald Trump is set to visit China from May 13-15 for talks with President Xi Jinping, focusing on easing trade tensions and discussing Iran. Broader issues like tariffs and Taiwan are also on the agenda. The visit aims to rebalance the relationship, prioritizing reciprocity and fairness for American economic independence.

Presidents Xi and Trump are set for a crucial summit, aiming for stability despite deep-seated issues like tech rivalry and Taiwan. While a trade deal might emerge, it won't end the underlying friction. China's focus on domestic chip production and its stance on Taiwan, deemed the 'biggest risk,' will also be key discussion points. The US may also expect China's mediation in ending the Iranian mess.

While the US and Israel engaged in conflict with Iran, China quietly leveraged the situation to expand its influence. By positioning itself as a diplomatic alternative and stabilizing energy supplies, Beijing benefited from a weakened American strategic position and growing uncertainty about US reliability among allies.

Cybersecurity giant Cloudflare is laying off over 1,100 employees globally, citing a major reorganization for the 'agentic AI era'. The company's internal AI usage has surged dramatically, prompting a rethink of its structure to enhance customer value and speed. Departing staff receive industry-leading severance packages, including pay through 2026 and extended healthcare.

India and the US concluded three days of trade talks in Washington, aiming to finalize an interim trade pact and advance negotiations for a broader bilateral agreement. Discussions covered market access, digital commerce, and economic security.

Under the proposed interim trade deal, the US has lowered tariffs on India from 50% to 18%. In August last year, Trump had imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on India and an additional 25% penal tariff for India’s crude oil purchases from Russia.

India and the United States are nearing a bilateral trade agreement, with negotiators meeting in Washington this week to finalize the first phase. Officials indicate only a few issues remain unresolved, building on a framework announced in February. This renewed push aims to enhance market access and secure preferential treatment for India.

India and the US are nearing a bilateral trade agreement, with negotiators reporting significant progress and only a few issues remaining. Discussions are described as positive and productive, focusing on market access and tariff alignment. This potential deal, aimed at boosting trade between the two nations, is expected to be a win-win, marking a key milestone in economic ties.

India and the US are resuming trade negotiations in Washington DC from April 20-22 to discuss the first phase of their bilateral trade agreement. The talks are being held under a revised framework following recent shifts in the US tariff regime, which have reduced India's previous trade advantages and necessitate recalibration of the agreement.