India, US work on trade deal with built-in protections
Business
India and the US are working on a trade deal with built-in protections to keep tariffs low, even if American policy shifts down the line.
India wants to avoid surprises like past tariff hikes seen under President Donald Trump, whose moves are now being reviewed by the US Supreme Court.
Deal to cut US tariffs on Indian goods
The deal, announced in February 2026, will cut US tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, while duties on American products imported into India are expected to fall to zero.
Both countries have agreed on a basic framework—the first step toward a bigger trade pact—with more details expected soon.
These safeguards are meant to make sure both sides actually benefit, no matter what happens politically.