US trade team visit to India cancelled amid tariff tensions

A planned visit by a U.S. trade team to India for bilateral trade negotiations from August 25 to 29 has been cancelled and is expected to be rescheduled, sources said. 

The talks, which would have marked the sixth round of negotiations, were intended to advance a bilateral trade agreement, Caliber.Az reports via U.S. media outlet NDTV.

The cancellation comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods linked to Russian oil imports, adding to an existing 25% levy. One of the main sticking points is U.S. demands for greater market access in agriculture and dairy, which India says would harm small farmers and conflict with cultural sensitivities.

Following the tariff announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for support of ‘Made in India’ products and pledged strong protection for farmers, fishermen, and livestock rearers in his Independence Day speech.

Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska raised hopes that tensions over the new tariff could ease. Speaking to Fox News, Trump suggested he might not impose secondary tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, including India.

By Khagan Isayev