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IndiaUSTradeDeal – Leaders Welcome Tariff Cut Boosting Bilateral Economic Ties
Rekha Prajapati | February 3, 2026 2:27 PM CST

IndiaUSTradeDeal – Union ministers and senior leaders on Tuesday publicly welcomed the newly concluded trade agreement between India and the United States, describing it as a milestone that strengthens economic engagement and deepens the broader strategic partnership between the two countries.

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The agreement, finalised after high-level discussions between the two governments, reduces United States tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent while easing trade-related barriers for American products entering the Indian market. Leaders from both sides have presented the move as a step toward long-term growth and shared prosperity.

Senior Ministers Emphasise Strategic Value of the Agreement

Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the development as an important moment in the evolution of India–US relations. In a public message, he said the agreement opens the door to stronger trade ties and mutual economic growth, highlighting the reduced tariff rate as a key outcome of the negotiations.

According to Shah, the deal is expected to create a more predictable and favourable environment for businesses in both countries. He credited the leadership on both sides for reaching a consensus that aligns economic interests with the broader strategic partnership. He also noted that commercial exchanges between India and the United States are likely to expand further as a result of the agreement.

Economic Confidence Highlighted by Health Minister

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda also welcomed the trade pact, pointing to what he described as growing international confidence in India’s economy. He said that under the current leadership, India’s economic journey has entered a phase marked by stronger global engagement and momentum.

Nadda emphasised that wider access to international markets for Indian-made products could have a direct impact on employment and income generation. He said the expansion of trade opportunities would benefit young entrepreneurs, workers, and farmers, while also reinforcing India’s position as a reliable global economic partner.

He added that a solid partnership between India and the United States has implications beyond bilateral trade, suggesting it could contribute to stability and economic cooperation in other regions as well.

Details of the India–US Trade Understanding

The trade agreement was reached on Monday following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump. The discussions resulted in a mutual understanding aimed at lowering trade frictions and improving market access on both sides.

Under the agreement, the United States has agreed to cut tariffs on Indian exports to 18 per cent, a move seen as beneficial for several manufacturing and export-oriented sectors. In return, India has committed to easing certain trade barriers, making it simpler for American products to enter the Indian market.

Officials familiar with the discussions said the agreement reflects a balanced approach, addressing long-standing concerns while keeping the broader economic relationship on a stable footing.

Prime Minister Highlights Shared Opportunities

Prime Minister Modi also welcomed the outcome of the talks, describing his conversation with President Trump as productive and positive. He said the reduced tariff rate for Indian products would create new opportunities for businesses and exporters, and thanked the US President for the decision.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister stressed that cooperation between two large economies and the world’s largest democracies has the potential to deliver wide-ranging benefits. He said such collaboration can unlock new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation across trade, investment, and innovation.

Modi also acknowledged President Trump’s role in advocating global peace and stability, reiterating India’s support for efforts that promote international prosperity. He said he looks forward to working closely with the US leadership to take bilateral relations to a higher level in the coming years.

Broader Implications for Bilateral Relations

Analysts note that the trade deal is likely to influence future negotiations in areas such as technology, manufacturing, and supply chains. With both countries seeking to diversify trade partnerships, the agreement is seen as a foundation for deeper economic engagement.

As implementation moves forward, attention will turn to how effectively the agreed measures translate into increased trade volumes and investment flows. For now, leaders on both sides have presented the deal as a positive step that reinforces trust and cooperation between India and the United States.

 


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