Tag Archives: India-US relations

India seeks US tariff relief, offers corn and energy imports

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**India Seeks US Tariff Relief, Offers Corn and Energy Imports**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 27, 2025, 05:21 PM*

India and the United States are currently engaged in negotiations for a bilateral trade deal. As part of these discussions, India has proposed increasing its imports of corn from the US for ethanol production, along with expanding energy purchases. This proposal arrives amid India’s request for the removal of the 25% penal tariffs imposed by Washington on its Russian oil imports.

These tariffs were introduced by the US in response to India’s purchases of Russian oil, which Washington alleges have indirectly funded Russia’s war against Ukraine.

**Exploring Corn Imports for Ethanol Production**

The US has been encouraging India to boost its purchases of American soybeans and corn. However, India has shown hesitation due to concerns surrounding genetically modified (GM) crop varieties. Despite these challenges, officials confirmed that “fresh offers have been made” and discussions are underway to buy corn specifically for ethanol production.

This development indicates India’s willingness to explore new avenues within the ongoing trade negotiations.

**Negotiation Strategy and Agricultural Market Access**

While talks continue, India remains firm on protecting its agricultural sector. The country has set clear red lines regarding market access, aiming to safeguard its farmers and prevent the entry of GM products into its food supply.

An official involved in the talks stated, “The talks are on track, and we are trying to meet the fall deadline, but the date and venue of the next round of negotiations is yet to be finalized.”

**Diplomatic Discussions: First In-Person Meeting Since Tariffs Announcement**

The Indian delegation, led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, recently met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and US Ambassador-Designate to India, Sergio Gor. This marked the first face-to-face meeting since the August 27 announcement of the 25% penal tariffs.

The two sides are working toward concluding a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), originally targeted for completion by this fall. To date, five rounds of negotiations have taken place.

**Engaging US Businesses and Investors**

In addition to government-level talks, the Indian delegation engaged with key US-based businesses and investors to promote trade and investment ties between the two countries.

According to the Indian Ministry of Commerce, these meetings received a positive response. Business leaders expressed confidence in India’s growth story and showed strong interest in expanding their activities within the Indian market.

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The ongoing negotiations reflect a complex but promising phase in India-US trade relations, as both nations seek mutually beneficial solutions amid geopolitical challenges and market sensitivities.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/india-seeks-us-tariff-relief-offers-corn-and-energy-imports/story

Indian Diaspora Must Speak On Trump’s Policy Changes, Visiting US Congressmen Tell Parliament Panel

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A Visiting US Democratic Delegation Voices Concerns Over President Trump’s Policies During Meeting with Indian MPs

A delegation of five US Democratic lawmakers recently engaged with Indian Members of Parliament (MPs) from across party lines in the Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Dr. Shashi Tharoor. The meeting provided an opportunity for frank discussions on several pressing issues pertaining to US-India relations.

During the interaction, the Democratic delegation expressed strong concerns regarding policy changes implemented by US President Donald Trump. Sources reveal that questions were raised by Indian MPs about key issues such as modifications to the H-1B visa program, the 50% tariff imposed on Indian goods, and the persistent involvement of President Trump in matters affecting bilateral ties.

In response, the visiting Democrats urged Indian MPs to motivate the Indian diaspora in the United States to speak out against these policy shifts. They emphasized the importance of advocacy within the Indian-American community to influence US policy decisions favorably.

Following the meeting, committee chairman Dr. Shashi Tharoor addressed the media, stating, “I do want to stress that one of the points we raised is why the Indian-American diaspora has been so silent about all this. One of the Congressmen said not one phone call has come to her office from any Indian-American voter asking her to support a change of policy. This is something that is surprising.”

He further added, “We all need to reach out to the Indian-American population, saying if you care about your relationship with the motherland, then you also have to fight for it and speak for it, and make more of an effort to press your political representative to stand up for India.”

Dr. Tharoor underscored that the visiting US lawmakers are well-disposed towards India and are friends of the country, making their concerns and suggestions particularly noteworthy.

Besides visa and tariff-related issues, the committee also discussed the US sanctions waiver for Iran’s Chabahar Port—an important development project led by India.

The H-1B visa concerns were especially highlighted by opposition leaders from the Samajwadi Party, including Ballia MP Sanatan Pandey and Firozabad MP Akshay Yadav, both of whom noted how these policies affect numerous Indians.

Sanatan Pandey shared, “Sanatan Pandey and I met with the visiting delegation led by Amerish Bera. We told them that we are the third-largest party in India and our leader, along with Akshay Yadav from the Samajwadi Party, raised this matter.”

The delegation also included BJP MPs such as Sudhanshu Trivedi, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Aparajita Sarangi, and Bansuri Swaraj, among others.

The first half of the meeting featured a detailed briefing on India-Sri Lanka relations, with India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri providing insights to the committee members.

This interactive session marks an important step in fostering dialogue and cooperation between US lawmakers and Indian parliamentarians concerning bilateral matters, diaspora engagement, and regional strategic interests.
https://www.news18.com/world/indian-diaspora-must-speak-on-trumps-policy-changes-visiting-us-congressmen-tell-parliament-panel-9592589.html