Despite critical US statements, backchannel negotiations remain active, with officials meeting in New Delhi
India insists on protecting key sectors, but acknowledges room for calibrated compromise
The US seeks access for premium dairy, not mass-market products — opening space for a value-based tariff model
Tariffs on premium wine were lowered based on price bands — a model that could apply to dairy too
This approach could aid other talks, including with the EU, without harming low-margin Indian agriculture
Compromise needs political will. Recent signals from Modi and Trump hint at readiness to move forward