US trade delegation expected in India next week:Appears more about ‘diplomatic optics’ after Putin’s trip than real outcomes, say experts

A high-level US trade delegation led by US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer is expected to visit India next week post-Putin’s trip to New Delhi, but is unlikely to see any major progress, Indian trade policy observers say. Though the trip remains unconfirmed, reported by domestic and foreign media, it is widely viewed as a diplomatic gesture following President Vladimir Putin’s high-profile visit to New Delhi rather than one aimed at producing concrete outcomes. India should not anticipate major breakthroughs during the expected visit of Deputy USTR next week, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has said. According to GTRI, deputy-level engagements rarely produce movement on key trade issues. Decisions on tariff relief or progress toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are taken at the highest levels of the US administration, not during mid-tier trade missions. “New Delhi should not expect any shift on a US-India trade deal from such a visit,” it said. ‘India Should Expect Limited Outcomes From US Trade Team’s Visit’ The think tank believes the trip may focus instead on seeking fresh concessions from India without offering reciprocal benefits. With India having already reduced imports of Russian crude—a step even US officials have publicly acknowledged—GTRI argues that Washington owes New Delhi more than symbolic gestures. Also Read: Exclusive – Modi skips Malaysia visit after Trump call: India stops US ‘pressure politics’; no meeting until trade deal The US should begin by immediately withdrawing the 25% “Russian oil” tariff that has significantly hurt Indian exports. Removing this duty would reduce the effective tariff burden on several Indian products from 50% to 25%, the group noted. Until these punitive duties are removed, GTRI said, India has little reason to advance FTA discussions. “The message to Washington should be clear: lift the Russian oil tariffs first—talk trade later,” Ajay Srivastava, a former trade official and founder of GTRI, said. “Until those duties go, there is little reason for India to negotiate an FTA,” he added. US Imposes Sanctions On 2 Russian Oil Firms Also Read: Trump slams Time Magazine over his new cover photo: Says, this is the worst photo, they made my hair disappear, calls design as ‘strange’ In November, the United States moved to clamp down on Russia’s two major oil giants, Rosneft and Lukoil, in an effort to restrict funding for the war in Ukraine and press for a ceasefire. The action came shortly after President Trump described Vladimir Putin as “not honest” and “not forthright.” The US Treasury said the sanctions are intended to cut into Russia’s energy earnings and slow its military operations. The order freezes all Rosneft and Lukoil assets that fall under US authority, and bars American companies and individuals from engaging with them. The restrictions also cover their subsidiaries and any firm in which they hold a stake of 50% or more.