By Admin 
The new trade deal announced between India and America has created a stir in both global politics and economy. The announcement by US President Donald Trump to reduce the US tariff on Indian products from 25 percent to 18 percent is not being considered as just a business decision. Experts say that deep diplomatic compulsion and strategic calculations are working behind this. This agreement has come at a time when America is under pressure on many fronts, while India has advanced its economic interests through balanced diplomacy.
To understand the India-US trade deal, it is important to look at its timing. America had imposed heavy tariffs on many countries. A tariff of 25 percent was also imposed on India, due to which sectors like textile, pharma, auto components and engineering goods suffered losses. Now reducing the tariff to 18 percent is a big relief for Indian exporters. This will make Indian products more competitive in the American market and the possibility of increasing exports will be stronger.
What does this deal mean in global politics
The impact of this agreement is not limited only to India and America. America is currently struggling with trade differences with the European Union and there is tension in the Middle East regarding Iran. Besides, major changes are also taking place in the global supply chain. In such an environment, it became necessary for America to have a reliable and stable partner in Asia. India took advantage of this situation. Experts say that this deal also indicates the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region and further strengthens India’s strategic importance.
How did India get the lead?
This trade deal is also important for India because it has got better tariff rates compared to countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh. These countries have been India’s big competitors in the textile and manufacturing sector for a long time. Due to low tariff, now the prices of Indian products will be more attractive in the American market. This is expected to increase exports and bring investment in domestic industries.
How pressure increased on America: Role of Europe and Iran
According to experts, a major reason for the pressure on America was the rapidly progressing free-trade agreement negotiations between India and the European Union. America got a signal that if it did not show flexibility with India, it could be left behind in a big market. On the other hand, the increasing tension in the Middle East regarding Iran was also a matter of concern for America. At such a time, India, which on one hand has relations with the Western countries and on the other hand maintains regional balance, became more strategically important for America. In this situation, India gave a clear message that it will not compromise with its economic interests, but is ready for cooperation. As a result America had to cut tariffs.
India’s big victory in the eyes of experts
American writer and journalist Sadanand Dhume has called this deal a major diplomatic and economic success of the Modi government. According to him, it was not easy to get relief from American tariffs and get better terms from competing countries. Along with this, the role of the new US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gore, is also being considered important. It is believed that this is a strong start to his tenure, which has given a new direction to India-America relations.
Credit where credit is due: Negotiating an end to punitive US tariffs, and ending up with a better rate than competitors such as Vietnam and Bangladesh, is a major diplomatic/economic win for the Modi government. Also a great start to @USAmbIndia Sergio Gor’s tenure in India. https://t.co/FeAVRkkm6P
— Sadanand Dhume (@dhume) February 2, 2026
Trump’s claim and questions on Russian oil
Donald Trump presented this trade deal by linking it to personal relationships and the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also claimed that India has assured to stop buying oil from Russia. However, there is disagreement among experts on this claim. American analyst Michael Kugelman says that India has definitely reduced the import of Russian oil after November, but the formal consent for a complete ban is not clear. India’s policy has been to give priority to energy security. Oil import from Russia has been important for India for both economic and strategic reasons. In such a situation, India struck a balance and made a partial reduction, but maintained distance from any hard commitment.
I highly doubt Modi “agreed to stop buying” Russian oil, as Trump claimed. India has, however, reduced its Russian oil imports since the new US Russia sanctions were instituted in November. That, along w/Amb Gor’s push for a deal, likely helped get them to the finish line.
— Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) February 2, 2026
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