National News desk : VOC

Trump’s Tariff Uncertainty Forces Delay in India–US Interim Trade Talks

The ongoing uncertainty created by fresh tariff announcements from US President Donald Trump has led to the postponement of the much-anticipated India–United States interim trade talks.

The three-day meeting, scheduled to begin on Monday, was expected to bring together chief negotiators from both countries to finalize key elements of an interim trade agreement. However, the talks have now been deferred amid growing concerns over the legal and political implications of Washington’s tariff policy.

This development follows a recent ruling by the US Supreme Court, which declared several of Trump’s tariff measures on multiple countries — including India — to be unlawful. Despite the verdict, the US President has continued to announce new tariffs almost daily, ranging between 10 and 15 percent, creating widespread uncertainty in global trade circles.

India’s chief negotiator for the talks, Commerce Ministry Joint Secretary Darpan Jain, was scheduled to participate in the discussions along with senior US trade officials. Sources indicate that both sides jointly agreed to seek more time to assess the impact of the Supreme Court ruling and Trump’s continued tariff actions before moving ahead with formal negotiations.

Officials familiar with the matter said the current instability in US trade policy makes it difficult to finalize any binding commitments. “There is a need for careful evaluation of the legal and economic consequences of the recent tariff decisions before proceeding further,” a source said.

Earlier this month, New Delhi and Washington had reached a preliminary understanding on an interim trade arrangement. Following that, the Trump administration announced a reduction in tariffs on certain Indian goods to 18 percent. However, the Supreme Court’s intervention has significantly altered the policy environment.

Trade experts believe that both capitals are now adopting a cautious approach. With legal uncertainty surrounding tariff authority and political unpredictability in Washington, neither side is willing to rush into a deal that could later face challenges.

The postponement of the talks highlights how unilateral tariff policies are beginning to strain diplomatic and economic engagement between the two strategic partners. Analysts warn that continued unpredictability could disrupt not only bilateral negotiations but also broader global trade stability.

A new date for the India–US interim trade talks will be announced after mutual consultations between the two governments.

National News desk : Voice of Calcutta