India finds itself among the “dirty 15” nations targeted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff strategy, set to take effect on April 2. This move, dubbed “Liberation Day” by Trump, aims to address trade imbalances with countries maintaining significant surpluses with the United States. India, ranked ninth on the list, has a trade surplus of $45.7 billion with the U.S., according to official figures.
The tariffs are expected to impact a wide range of Indian exports, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, and automotive components. In response, New Delhi is actively negotiating exemptions and exploring alternative trade agreements to mitigate the potential fallout. Key discussions include reducing tariffs on U.S. imports and enhancing market access for American agricultural products.
India is also strengthening its trade ties with other nations. Notable efforts include advancing free trade agreement (FTA) talks with the European Union, which resumed in 2021 after a decade-long hiatus. Additionally, India and Russia have set ambitious targets to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion.
As global trade dynamics shift, India’s proactive approach to diversifying its trade partnerships underscores its commitment to safeguarding economic interests while navigating the challenges posed by the U.S. tariff policy.
