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India and the United States took a major step forward on Friday with the announcement of an India-US trade deal framework designed to lower tariffs, strengthen energy ties, and boost economic cooperation. The joint statement from both governments confirmed that while the framework sets a clear path, further negotiations will be needed to finalise a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement.Read more: Key highlights of the India-US interim trade deal frameworkTrump Announces Tariff Cuts Under India-US Trade DealU.S. President Donald Trump had announced earlier this week that the U.S. would cut tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18% as part of the India-US trade deal, in exchange for India halting purchases of Russian oil and lowering trade barriers. Half of the 50% tariff had been imposed as a measure against India’s Russian oil imports, which Trump said were supporting Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine. On Friday, Trump signed an executive order removing the 25% portion of the tariff after India agreed to shift oil imports to the U.S. and Venezuela. 128019173Key Details of the India-US FrameworkThe India-US framework provides specific trade commitments. India has agreed to purchase $500 billion in U.S. goods over five years, including oil, gas, coking coal, aircraft and aircraft parts, precious metals, and technology products such as graphics processing units used for AI and other data centre applications. 128019149India will also reduce or eliminate tariffs on a wide range of U.S. industrial and agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, soybean oil, wine, and spirits.18% Tariffs to Remain on Key U.S. ImportsUnder the India-US trade deal, the U.S. will maintain an 18% tariff on most imports from India, covering textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, plastics, organic chemicals, home décor, artisanal goods, and certain machinery. India will also receive tariff relief on certain aircraft and aircraft parts, along with a lower-tariff quota for auto parts imports. Outcomes for generic pharmaceuticals and their ingredients will be negotiated based on ongoing U.S. tariff investigations. 128019092Opportunities for Indian BusinessesIndian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed the India-US framework on X, describing it as opening access to the $30 trillion U.S. market for Indian exporters, particularly benefiting farmers, fishermen, and micro, small, and medium enterprises. Goyal noted that the formal trade agreement could be signed by March, after which India’s tariff cuts on U.S. exports would take effect. 128019030Non-Tariff Barriers and StandardsIndia also agreed to address long-standing non-tariff barriers on agricultural products, medical devices, and communications equipment. Both countries aim to finalise within six months an agreement recognising U.S. or international safety and licensing standards for imported products.The U.S. affirmed it would consider India’s requests for lower tariffs in future negotiations. Both sides committed to collaborating on enforcement of export controls on sensitive technologies and addressing “non-market policies of third parties,” referring to China. 128019122Strategic Importance of the India-US Trade DealNegotiations for a full trade agreement have faced challenges over agriculture, digital trade, medical devices, and market access. Strategic concerns, including competition with China, supply chain diversification, and energy security, have added urgency to the India-US trade deal, officials said.Inputs from agencies

India's imports from China declined across multiple sectors, including fertilisers, chemicals, iron and steel, and man-made yarn, in 2024-25, the commerce and industry ministry told Parliament. Mobile phone imports fell to ₹3,710 crore in 2024-25 from ₹48,609 crore in 2014-15. In contrast, mobile phone exports rose to over ₹2,05,017 crore in FY25 from ₹1,566 crore in FY15. "In 2024-25, a decline in imports from China was observed across several sectors compared to the previous year," Jitin Prasada said. In a separate reply, he said:"The government of India undertakes appropriate measures, from time to time, to address concerns raised by various stakeholders, including in matters relating to national interest." Prasada said.