• Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium signal rising US protectionism
• India must engage strategically to safeguard its trade interests
• Goals: Reduce US trade deficit (4.2% of GDP) & raise revenue for tax cuts
• Protectionist policies challenge global trade norms
• US argues global trade rules favour China, citing its $1 trillion surplus
• Calls for a new trade system led by democratic nations
• India, like the US, runs a trade deficit, not a surplus
• 75% of US imports to India face tariffs below 5%
• Key market & talent hub for US tech giants
• Trade ties reflect deeper economic interdependence
• China factor unites US and India’s economic concerns
• Stronger US-India ties serve mutual strategic interests