Wed Apr 09 11:13:25 UTC 2025: ## India Aims for US Trade Deal Amidst Trump’s New Tariffs
**New Delhi, [Date]** – India is pursuing a bilateral trade agreement with the United States by the fall of this year as a response to President Trump’s newly implemented tariffs on several countries, including India. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the impact of these tariffs remains uncertain, but India’s strategy is to proactively negotiate a trade pact with the Trump administration.
Jaishankar highlighted India’s unique position, claiming it is the only country to have reached a preliminary agreement on a trade deal with the US after Trump’s second presidential inauguration. While acknowledging the potential for significant economic disruption caused by the tariffs, he emphasized India’s constructive engagement with the US throughout the process.
The minister explained that while previous attempts at a trade deal during Trump’s first term and under the Biden administration (through initiatives like the IPEF) proved unsuccessful, the current circumstances have spurred a renewed focus on bilateral negotiations. India has long sought a bilateral agreement with the US, viewing it as a positive step, contrary to the Biden administration’s preference for multilateral approaches.
Beyond the US, India is also actively pursuing trade agreements with the UK and the European Union, expressing confidence in accelerating negotiations with the latter. The goal is to finalize a free trade agreement with the EU within the year.
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