The India–US joint statement signals a meaningful reset after months of trade friction
Speedy implementation now matters if exporters are to gain from the promised easing of punitive tariffs
The likely rollback of Russia-related penalties and tariff cuts to 18% improve India’s position among Asian peers, offering exporters breathing room after sustained cost pressures
India has kept core farm sectors insulated while opening limited access to US produce. This balances domestic sensitivities even as industrial goods face sharper tariff reductions
Lower duties on industrial imports from the US and EU will benefit Indian consumers, reinforcing India’s gradual shift towards trade openness after years of guarded engagement
Aircraft, energy, coking coal and GPUs could anchor India’s $500 billion import pledge, aligning trade commitments with infrastructure, energy security and digital ambitions
Trade pacts alone won’t lift exports. India needs factor-market reform, lower logistics costs, SME support and deeper supply-chain integration to turn access into durable gains