US President Donald Trump has confirmed that India has proposed a trade deal that would impose “zero tariffs” on a broad range of American goods, reports Reuters. This move is being interpreted as a major attempt by New Delhi to reset trade ties and avoid potential tariffs, especially in the backdrop of evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics. The offer comes as part of India’s renewed push to secure a “mini-deal” that could eventually pave the way for a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement. Senior officials said the proposal seeks to eliminate duties on key U.S. exports—ranging from agricultural products and medical devices to electronics and industrial machinery. In return, India hopes for better access to the American market for its services, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is set to visit the United States beginning May 16, leading a high-level delegation to fast-track negotiations. Two government officials familiar with the matter confirmed the visit on Tuesday, stating that the mission will include strategic meetings in Washington D.C. and New York with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) officials and leading American businesses. Goyal’s visit follows U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s trip to New Delhi last month, which revived momentum for a bilateral pact. The latest outreach is being seen in the context of deepening Indo-U.S. ties as both nations look to counterbalance China’s influence in global trade and supply chains. In 2024, bilateral trade between India and the United States crossed the $200 billion mark, underscoring the significance of the partnership. However, persistent issues such as digital taxation, agricultural subsidies, price controls on medical devices, and intellectual property concerns have prevented the signing of a full trade agreement. With the U.S. presidential elections around the corner, Indian officials believe the time is ripe to strike a deal, leveraging the political goodwill built over recent years. A “zero tariff” offer could act as a confidence-building measure and generate bipartisan support in Washington. While no formal announcement has been made regarding the timeline for concluding the deal, both sides are expected to issue a joint statement during Goyal’s visit, outlining the roadmap for future negotiations and possible sectoral agreements.
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