India-US talks on February 14: Crude oil imports to dominate agenda

Last year, both countries had given a wide berth to contentious trade issues in the 2+2 dialogue, instead focus on defence and foreign affairs

A pledge by India to reduce trade imbalance through greater crude imports, US firms’ concerns on the new e-commerce policy and retaliatory tariffs imposed by both nations will dominate the agenda on February 14, when officials sit down for the India-US Commercial dialogue.

Being held after a hiatus of a year, the annual talks will see Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu discuss trade policy differences with US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. 

India expects Washington DC to push hard against the tough rules