Thu Nov 14 17:25:58 UTC 2024: ## India Unfazed by Trump’s Return, Commerce Ministry Highlights Strong US Trade Ties
**New Delhi, India -** The Commerce Ministry has downplayed concerns regarding the impact of Donald Trump’s re-election on India’s trade relations with the United States. Despite Trump’s past criticisms of India’s trade practices, the Ministry emphasizes the steady growth in bilateral trade since 2001, spanning multiple US administrations.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal highlighted that India’s exports to the U.S. have steadily increased over the past two decades, reaching 2.8% of US imports in 2023, up from 0.9% in 2001. This growth, he stated, demonstrates the robust and enduring nature of the US-India trade relationship.
Barthwal further emphasized that the integration of value chains between the two economies has strengthened through various agreements, including the India Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) and bilateral mechanisms. This, he believes, will ensure continued economic growth, regardless of who holds the US presidency.
While acknowledging the potential for increased protectionist policies under a Trump administration, the Ministry considers it premature to speculate on the impact of the new administration’s trade policies. They will assess the situation as the Trump administration develops its policy agenda.
Despite analysts’ concerns about Trump’s past stance on trade, the Commerce Ministry remains optimistic about the future of the US-India trade relationship, citing the long-standing commitment to economic integration and a history of bipartisan support for India in the US.
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