India-US trade deal live: India pact to open massive market for American farmers, says US agriculture secretary

Tharoor noted that companies may hesitate to buy oil from Russia due to fear of sanctions. He said this could complicate aspects of the trade deal related to energy, particularly the US push for India to reduce Russian oil imports.

Tharoor raised concerns over US claims that the deal would bring $500 million in investment. He asked where this money would come from and whether it represents committed investments or projections, highlighting the need for transparency in the agreement.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said India can only be truly happy once the specifics of the US-India trade deal are known. While the reduction of tariffs from 50% to 18% is a positive step, he stressed that the agreement’s sectoral coverage and timelines remain unclear.

The Jaishankar-Rubio meeting comes a day after Trump announced on Truth Social that tariffs on Indian goods will be reduced from 25 per cent to 18 per cent. Analysts say the timing reflects renewed diplomatic engagement following months of trade-related tensions.

During his visit, Jaishankar will also meet senior members of the US administration. The Ministry of External Affairs said the engagements will focus on trade, strategic cooperation, and emerging technologies. Officials see the meetings as key to sustaining post-deal momentum.

Jaishankar is visiting the United States from February 2 to 4 and will participate in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial on Wednesday. The event, convened by Rubio, aims to strengthen cooperation on supply chains crucial for technology, industry, and national security.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday, a day after President Donald Trump announced the India-US trade deal. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties and advancing cooperation following the tariff reduction agreement.

The secretary’s remarks have renewed debate in India over farm imports and market access. Political leaders and farmer groups are expected to closely examine the agreement’s provisions. Observers say agriculture could become a key issue during parliamentary discussions on the deal.

US officials said agricultural access was a major focus during trade negotiations. Rollins indicated that easing barriers for farm products was a priority for Washington. Analysts said agriculture remains a sensitive area in India-US talks, making these concessions politically significant.

Rollins said India represents one of the most important emerging markets for American agricultural goods. With rising food demand and changing consumption patterns, US officials see strong potential for exports of grains, dairy, and processed food under the new deal.

The US agriculture secretary said America’s agricultural trade deficit with India stood at $1.3 billion in 2024. She added that India’s growing population offers major opportunities for US exporters. The new agreement is expected to help narrow this gap over the coming years.

Rollins described the agreement as an “America First” victory, highlighting its impact on rural communities. She said higher agricultural exports to India will pump cash into farming regions and strengthen the domestic agricultural economy. The statement reflects the Trump administration’s focus on trade-led rural growth.

US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins thanked President Donald Trump for delivering gains for American farmers through the India-US trade deal. She said the agreement will increase exports of US farm products to India’s large consumer market, helping raise prices and improve incomes in rural America.

Political analysts said the Prime Minister’s message reinforces the government’s focus on long-term development goals. The post is being seen as an attempt to project stability and optimism at a time when trade agreements and economic policies are under public and parliamentary scrutiny.

Along with his message, the Prime Minister shared a Sanskrit verse emphasising diligence, skill, discipline, and self-restraint. The verse underlined that success begins with auspicious intent, grows through competence, and is sustained through discipline and balance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a “thought for the day” on social media, highlighting the importance of self-confidence in achieving the goal of a developed India. He said confidence is the strength that makes everything possible and will play a crucial role in realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

According to Ramesh, the latest trade deal announcement suggests that India may have made concessions to appease the US. He stated that India’s position appears weakened compared to previous negotiations, especially in the context of sensitive sectors such as agriculture.

Ramesh highlighted that trade negotiations began immediately after Modi’s Washington visit but began deteriorating after Trump announced a halt to Operation Sindoor on May 10, 2025. Subsequent outreach by Trump to Pakistan created tension, slowing progress toward a bilateral trade agreement.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh noted that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the White House last year marked a high point in India-US relations. The PM’s personal rapport with President Trump, described as “huglomacy,” initially raised hopes for a smooth trade deal and stronger bilateral ties.

India’s rupee surged 119 paise to 90.3 against the US dollar in early trade on Monday. Analysts linked the sharp gain to renewed optimism following the announcement of the India-US trade deal. Market watchers said clarity on tariffs and potential energy cooperation are boosting investor confidence in Indian assets.

Trade experts have urged caution, noting that implementation details are still awaited. They said past experience shows that disputes can resurface quickly. While the deal marks progress, sustained dialogue will be essential to prevent renewed tensions.

The current agreement comes after nearly a year of strained diplomacy, stalled talks, and market disruption. From punitive tariffs to stalled summits, relations faced repeated setbacks. The latest deal is now being seen as a corrective step.

Energy cooperation has emerged as a major element of the agreement. India is expected to increase imports of US oil and explore supplies from Venezuela. Experts said this diversification could reshape bilateral trade flows and reduce geopolitical risks.

Trump’s latest announcement is being viewed as an effort to reset relations after prolonged friction. Officials said the agreement reflects renewed political engagement. Analysts believe it could restore confidence among businesses that were affected by years of uncertainty.

Market volatility linked to trade tensions has extended into 2026. Analysts said continued foreign selling reflects lingering doubts about long-term policy stability. The new trade deal is now being seen as a potential turning point for investor sentiment.

India’s worsening ties with the US affected financial markets. The rupee and equity indices were among the worst performers in emerging markets last year. Foreign investors sold Indian assets in record volumes, reflecting concerns over trade uncertainty.

Industry data showed that labour-intensive and consumer goods sectors faced the biggest impact. Textile exporters, jewellers, and auto parts manufacturers reported declining orders and shrinking margins. Many firms were forced to explore alternative markets during the peak tariff phase.

Despite steep tariffs, India’s merchandise exports to the US continued to grow. In November 2025, shipments rose 21 per cent year-on-year, driven mainly by electronics. However, sectors such as textiles, jewellery, and auto components suffered major losses.

After negotiations with Washington slowed, India focused on strengthening ties with other partners. New Delhi improved engagement with China and concluded a landmark trade agreement with the European Union. Analysts said this diversification reduced dependence on the US market.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declined an invitation to visit Washington after the G7 meeting in June 2025. In a public speech, Modi said he would protect farmers’ interests, signalling disagreements over agriculture. Officials said farm-sector sensitivities were a major sticking point in trade talks.

President Trump’s repeated comments about mediating the India-Pakistan conflict further complicated trade talks. These remarks were viewed cautiously in New Delhi. Officials said the statements affected diplomatic trust and slowed momentum in economic negotiations.

By mid-2025, negotiations on a US-India trade agreement had stalled amid rising political and economic tensions. Trump prioritised trade deals with Japan and the European Union, while offering improved terms to Pakistan. This left India sidelined in key trade discussions.

The Trump administration linked higher tariffs to India’s continued imports of Russian oil. US officials said the move was aimed at pressuring New Delhi on strategic alignment. The decision strained economic ties and triggered strong reactions from Indian policymakers and industry bodies.

Between April and August 2025, the US imposed successive 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, citing trade imbalances and India’s purchase of Russian oil. These measures pushed duties to nearly 50 per cent. Indian officials termed the move unfair, and bilateral relations deteriorated sharply during this period.

Industry bodies said the agreement could support a sustained recovery in exports in 2026. With tariff relief and policy clarity, companies expect stronger order inflows. Exporters are now preparing for increased demand from American buyers.

The US had imposed a sweeping 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods from August 27, impacting multiple sectors. Exporters said the levy reduced competitiveness and squeezed margins. The new agreement is expected to partially reverse these effects.

During April-December of the current fiscal year, India’s exports to the US rose 9.75 per cent to USD 65.87 billion. Imports increased 12.85 per cent to USD 39.43 billion. The data underlines the expanding scale of bilateral trade.

Imports from the US grew 7.57 per cent to USD 4.03 billion in December 2025, official data showed. Analysts said rising imports reflect strong domestic demand. The trend highlights the growing interdependence between the two economies.

Commerce Ministry data showed that India’s exports to the US declined 1.83 per cent to USD 6.88 billion in December 2025. The fall was attributed to high tariffs. Exports had also contracted in September and October, before rising sharply in November.

FIEO said the pact will improve the competitiveness of Indian exports compared to other Asian suppliers. Lower tariffs are expected to narrow price gaps. This could help Indian exporters regain lost market share in the US.

FIEO President S C Ralhan said the agreement could trigger an immediate release of orders that were earlier put on hold. He said global buyers are likely to finalise sourcing, especially in apparel, textiles, leather, and footwear, ahead of the summer season.

Aqeel Panaruna of Florence Shoe Company said the agreement will strengthen India’s global leadership. He said improved market access will help Indian brands expand overseas. Industry leaders believe the pact enhances India’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.

Trade think tank GTRI said clarity is required on which products are included in the agreement. It also sought information on implementation timelines. Analysts said such details will determine how quickly exporters can take advantage of the tariff cuts.

Exporters and trade experts said they are waiting for the US executive order to understand the deal’s operational details. They said clarity on product coverage, timelines, and compliance rules is essential for planning shipments and pricing strategies.

Industry officials said labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, apparel, leather, and marine products are likely to benefit. These sectors were facing export challenges due to high tariffs. Exporters expect improved competitiveness once the new tariff structure is implemented.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal described the agreement as a landmark trade deal. He said it will unlock shared prosperity, innovation, and growth for both countries. Congratulating citizens of India and the US, Agrawal said the pact reflects deepening economic ties.

Goyal said the agreement reflects cooperation between two like-minded democracies. He described India and the US as natural allies working for shared prosperity. The partnership, he added, will focus on peace, growth, and long-term economic stability.

The commerce minister said the agreement will help India gain better access to advanced technologies from the US. He added that co-development and co-creation of solutions will strengthen India’s industrial base. Experts believe this could accelerate growth in high-value manufacturing and digital sectors.

Piyush Goyal said the agreement supports India’s vision of “Make in India for the world, Design in India for the world, and Innovate in India for the world”. In a social media post, he said the pact will encourage domestic manufacturing, innovation, and export-led growth across multiple sectors.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said the India-US trade agreement will create huge opportunities for farmers, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers. He said the deal will strengthen the Make in India initiative and help domestic producers access global markets through improved trade conditions.

American companies said they are keenly awaiting detailed provisions of the deal. The Chamber noted that clarity on timelines and sectoral commitments will be crucial. Businesses are expected to reassess investment and expansion plans once the final text is released.

The Chamber said the agreement could unlock greater private sector collaboration across industries. Sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and services are expected to benefit. Companies are now preparing to explore new partnerships and investment opportunities.

Leading business bodies credited PM Modi’s leadership for advancing negotiations. They said sustained engagement at the highest level was key to reaching the current understanding. The agreement is being seen as a result of long-term diplomatic and economic coordination.

The US Chamber said the India-US economic relationship is among the most consequential globally. Clark noted that a strong trade partnership benefits not only both economies but also global security. Analysts said deeper cooperation could strengthen supply chains and strategic stability.

Clark referred to her visit to Delhi and Mumbai last year, where she met Indian officials and business leaders. During those meetings, she had advocated for a trade deal. The Chamber said those engagements helped build momentum for the current breakthrough.

The US Chamber and its US-India Business Council said they will actively support implementation of the announcement. Clark said industry bodies are ready to partner with both governments. The focus will be on ensuring smooth execution and timely resolution of operational challenges.

The US Chamber said it is optimistic that the current agreement represents the first step toward a comprehensive trade pact. Clark said a broader deal could unlock deeper private sector collaboration. She added that businesses are eager to review the detailed provisions once they are made public.

Clark said the announcement to cut tariffs and non-tariff barriers marks meaningful progress. She added that easing regulatory hurdles will improve market access for businesses. Industry groups believe these steps will reduce compliance costs and enhance cross-border trade flows.

US Chamber chief Suzanne Clark appreciated the efforts of President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in advancing the agreement. She also acknowledged the role of officials, including Ambassadors Vinay Kwatra and Garcetti. Clark said strong leadership on both sides has helped move negotiations forward.

The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed progress toward a trade agreement between India and the United States. President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark said American and Indian businesses have long sought such a deal. She noted that reduced tariffs and non-tariff barriers would benefit companies and workers in both countries.

Basant Sanghera warned that India will need to actively manage the relationship going forward. He said New Delhi has seen trade tensions flare up with other US partners. While the deal marks progress, sustained engagement will be crucial to avoid future disruptions.

The agreement comes nearly a year after Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington. Analysts said it revives momentum in bilateral relations after months of headwinds. The timing is seen as significant for consolidating gains from previous high-level engagements.

Experts pointed out that the legal text of the agreement is still being finalised. Sector-specific provisions and timelines are yet to be released. Officials said formal documentation will provide clarity on implementation and compliance mechanisms.

Basant Sanghera of The Asia Group called the agreement a milestone in eight decades of diplomatic relations. He said it represents a key achievement for the Trump administration’s trade diplomacy. The deal reflects sustained efforts by both sides to stabilise economic ties.

Linscott noted that the bilateral relationship had faced several setbacks in recent months. He said the trade announcement could help repair damaged trust. The agreement is also expected to revive talks on a comprehensive trade pact promised by both leaders earlier.

Mark Linscott, former US trade representative, described the agreement as a “huge deal” for both countries. He said it comes shortly after India’s major trade pact with the European Union. According to him, the announcement puts bilateral economic relations back on track.

Experts said the agreement creates opportunities in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, defence, and cybersecurity. Khanna highlighted the importance of cooperation across the AI stack, from infrastructure to computing. These sectors are expected to define future India-US economic engagement.

Aman Raj Khanna of The Asia Group said the agreement provides much-needed relief to exporters on both sides. He noted that businesses have faced prolonged uncertainty in recent months. The deal is expected to restore confidence and encourage renewed cooperation in key sectors.

Nisha Biswal of The Asia Group said the phase-one agreement lays the groundwork for a more comprehensive deal. She compared it to the recently announced EU-India agreement. According to her, the combined impact of these deals could transform India’s global trade position.

Top American executives and policy experts welcomed the agreement, calling it a breakthrough. They said the deal reduces uncertainty for exporters and investors. Industry leaders believe it will encourage fresh investments and strengthen economic links between the two markets.

Ambassador Kwatra said the latest announcements herald an exciting new phase in India-US ties. Officials believe the deal will inject fresh momentum into the broader partnership. It comes at a time when both countries are seeking to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, and security.

Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra termed the agreement a “big win” for the partnership. In a post on X, he credited the leadership of PM Modi and President Trump. Kwatra said the deal will create new opportunities for businesses and citizens in both countries.

USISPF reiterated its commitment to expanding bilateral trade toward the USD 500 billion target. It said closer cooperation between India and the US is critical for long-term economic growth. A stronger trade relationship is also seen as central to building a stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

According to USISPF, the current agreement could pave the way for a wider Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The forum said such a pact would benefit businesses, workers, and consumers in both countries. It would also strengthen supply chains and enhance economic resilience in a volatile global environment.

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum described the tariff cut as an “important and positive first step”. It said the announcement signals strong political will to move toward a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement. USISPF added that future negotiations are expected to address tariffs, market access, and non-tariff barriers across sectors.

President Trump confirmed the agreement in a post on Truth Social, highlighting the outcome of his conversation with PM Modi. The post underlined the administration’s focus on resetting trade ties with India. Officials said the announcement reflects growing political consensus to strengthen economic engagement.

In case you missed, US President Donald Trump announced the tariff reduction following a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump said Washington will bring down reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the current 25 per cent. The announcement marked a major step forward in bilateral trade relations between the two countries.

EEPC India cautioned that it is premature to assess the full impact of the deal without sector-wise details. Chairman Pankaj Shah said exporters are waiting for clarity on product categories and market access provisions. He noted that once finer details are released, companies will be able to better evaluate how much Indian engineering exports stand to benefit.

The engineering sector, which contributes nearly one-fourth of India’s total merchandise exports, is expected to gain the most from the trade agreement. Industry leaders said tariff relief would improve competitiveness in the US market. The sector could witness stronger growth in the current financial year, driven by improved market access and reduced cost pressures.

The Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) India on Monday welcomed the US decision to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent. Chairman Pankaj Shah said the move could significantly boost engineering shipments. He added that lower tariffs on “Made in India” products were positive for exporters, especially as the US remains India’s largest trading partner.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday welcomed the India-US trade agreement, calling it a major step forward in bilateral economic relations. In a post on X, he said the deal, which cuts tariffs to 18 per cent, would open new opportunities for growth and cooperation.

Gadkari congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump for their leadership, saying the agreement would strengthen trust, boost business confidence and deepen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council, Sanjeev Sanyal, on Monday reacted to the India-US trade agreement with a brief post on X, saying, “Duniya jhukti hai, jhukaney wala chahiye”.

The remark came soon after President Donald Trump announced that Washington had agreed to cut tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent, calling it a gesture of “friendship and respect” towards PM Modi. Sanyal’s post was widely interpreted as a reference to the outcome of the negotiations.

US Congressman Ro Khanna welcomed the easing of trade tensions between India and the United States, saying he had worked for months to support dialogue between the two sides.

Speaking to India Today, Khanna said, "As chair of the India caucus, I have been working for months to reduce the trade tensions with US and India I am hopeful this marks a thawing and will continue to work in a bipartisan manner to strengthen the partnership."

With inputs from Rohit Sharma

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch welcomed the India-US trade agreement, praising President Donald Trump for what he called a major diplomatic and economic achievement.

In a statement, Risch said he was encouraged that India, the world’s largest democracy, had agreed to reduce trade barriers and expand purchases of American goods. He described India as a close US partner with a strong diaspora presence and a key ally in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. Risch added that the deal would also support efforts to curb Russian aggression by reducing India’s reliance on Russian energy and strengthening cooperation to end the war in Ukraine. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump for advancing the partnership.

US Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, praised President Donald Trump for securing major investments through American energy exports, calling it a key example of effective energy diplomacy.

In a post on X, the official said Trump’s efforts were strengthening international relationships and boosting the US economy by expanding overseas purchases of American energy products.

The US House Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday welcomed the new India-US trade agreement, saying it would strengthen America and deepen ties with India.

In a post on X, the committee praised President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for signing the deal. It also said Trump had secured India’s commitment to reduce purchases of Russian oil and increase imports from the United States.

A White House official on Monday confirmed to news agency ANI that the United States will remove the additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports linked to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil, following the announcement of the India-US trade deal that cut overall tariffs to 18 per cent. The official said that the move is tied to India’s commitment to stop buying Russian crude.

The official said India would need to “cease, not just reduce” its Russian oil purchases for the agreement to take effect. When asked whether the extra tariffs would be lifted in return, the official replied in the affirmative. News agency Reuters also confirmed the development.

The US Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday welcomed the India-US trade agreement, saying the reduction in tariffs and non-tariff barriers would benefit companies and workers in both countries. The organisation congratulated President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leading the initiative.

In a statement, the Chamber also praised Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and US Ambassador Sergio Gor for their role in the talks. It said the deal could be the first step towards a broader trade agreement and added that its US-India Business Council would work with both governments to support implementation.

The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has welcomed the reduction of US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, saying the move will boost the competitiveness of exporters. CITI Chairman Ashwin Chandran said the cut would help India’s textile and apparel sector regain strength in the US, its largest export market.

In a statement quoted by ANI, Chandran thanked President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the agreement, saying the industry “heartily welcomes” the trade deal and expressed gratitude for the reduced tariff, which he said would support exporters and improve market access.
 

South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman said the reduction in US tariffs would benefit Indian exporters, as the United States remains a key market for several Indian products. He noted that while India had managed to cushion the impact of earlier 50 per cent tariffs, the lower duties would bring greater stability to export flows.

Commenting on broader ties, Kugelman said cooperation between the two countries had continued in areas such as defence, space and law enforcement, even as relations showed signs of strain. He added that the trade deal would give fresh momentum to bilateral engagement and help address other pending issues. Kugelman also said the arrival of US Ambassador Sergio Gor in New Delhi may have played an important role in securing the agreement, describing him as a strong supporter of the India-US partnership.

Former Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott said the India-US trade agreement was the result of months of negotiations and required direct engagement between the two leaders to reach the final stage. He said talks had come close to completion as early as July last year, but a breakthrough came only after discussions between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Linscott said Trump’s aggressive trade policy played a key role in shaping the negotiations, as it had in several other deals. He added that both countries have long recognised the potential for their economies to grow together, given the size and influence of the US and India.

Ashish Chauhan, Managing Director and CEO of the National Stock Exchange of India, welcomed the India-US trade agreement, calling it a positive development for global commerce. He said the sharp reduction in tariffs on Indian goods would take effect immediately and provide relief to exporters.

In a post on X, Chauhan said the deal would benefit businesses, strengthen supply chains and deepen the India-US partnership. He congratulated Donald Trump and Narendra Modi on concluding what he described as a historic agreement, and praised the teams involved in finalising the talks.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed the latest announcements on India-US trade following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. In a post on X, Jaishankar said the agreement would create jobs, boost growth and promote innovation in both economies.

He added that the deal would strengthen the “Make in India” initiative, encourage trusted technology partnerships and deepen economic engagement. Jaishankar said a strong economic relationship remains the foundation of India’s strategic partnership with the United States.

India’s tariff rate now stands at 18 per cent, placing it in a relatively strong position among major economies.

Higher tariffs:

• China: 37 per cent
• Brazil: 50 per cent
• South Africa: 30 per cent
• Myanmar: 40 per cent
• Laos: 40 per cent

Lower tariffs:

• European Union: 15 per cent
• Japan: 15 per cent
• South Korea: 15 per cent
• Switzerland: 15 per cent
• United Kingdom: 10 per cent

Comparable rates in Southeast Asia:

• Vietnam: 20 per cent
• Malaysia: 19 per cent
• Cambodia: 19 per cent
• Thailand: 19 per cent

(Source: White House)

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he had agreed on a trade deal with India, and that New Delhi also agreed to stop buying Russian oil and buy more from the US and potentially Venezuela.

Below is the timeline of events since Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods being shipped to the US.

2025

• April 2, 2025 - The US imposed a 26% "reciprocal tariff" on several Indian imports under his global "liberation day" tariff actions.
• April 10 - Trump paused the tariffs for 90 days and maintained a 10% duty on all US imports.
• July 31 - Trump announced a 25% tariff on all Indian goods and said it would levy a penalty if India continued to buy Russian oil.
• August 7 - Trump boosted to 50% tariffs on Indian goods being shipped to US, citing the Asian country's continued purchase of Russian oil. The tariff on Indian goods was the highest among US trade partners.
   

Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the India-US trade agreement, saying it would pave the way for stronger trade ties and mutual growth. In a post on X, he said the deal, which includes a reduced tariff of 18 per cent, marks a major step forward in bilateral relations.

Shah congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump for the “historic deal”, saying it would strengthen the strategic partnership and help businesses in both countries expand further.

India’s Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra welcomed the India-US trade deal announced by President Donald Trump, under which tariffs on Indian goods were cut to 18 per cent from 50 per cent. In a post on X, Kwatra called the agreement a “big win” under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, saying it would create new opportunities for both economies and mark an exciting new phase in bilateral ties.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed the India-US trade agreement, calling the two countries natural allies with strong potential to work together for peace and development. In a post on X, he said India and the United States have complementary strengths and can jointly develop technologies and solutions for global benefit.

Vaishnaw said the trade deal would lead to a brighter future for both nations and described it as a “win-win” agreement, adding that citizens and industries in India and the US would gain significantly from the partnership.

US-listed shares of major Indian companies surged following the latest trade developments. Infosys rose 3.53 per cent in afternoon trading, while Wipro jumped nearly 7 per cent. HDFC Bank gained 3.4 per cent, and the iShares MSCI India ETF advanced 3.3 per cent, reflecting strong investor confidence.
 

Chairman of Aditya Birla Group Kumar Mangalam Birla welcomed the US decision to lower tariffs on Indian goods, calling it a major boost for bilateral ties.

"I applaud Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump for today’s trade announcement. The reduced tariffs will help strengthen the strategic and economic ties between our two great countries and provide additional opportunity for investment and collaboration," Birla said in a statement.

He added, "The Aditya Birla Group is the largest Indian investor in the US, and we see this agreement help shape more resilient supply chains, unlock manufacturing opportunities and drive long-term economic competitiveness in both the U.S. and India. We are committed to expanding our presence and investments in the US, where we see substantial opportunities for innovation, growth and enduring partnerships."

The Aditya Birla Group has invested over $15 billion in the US and is currently India’s largest investor in the American market.