Source: TOI
Why in news?
India and the United States concluded a landmark bilateral trade deal in February 2026, sharply reducing tariffs and ending a phase of intense trade friction. The agreement was jointly announced by Donald Trump and the Prime Minister of India, signalling a strategic economic reset.
What is the India–USA Trade Deal 2026?
- A reciprocal, strategic trade agreement aimed at:
- De-escalating the trade war that escalated in late 2025
- Restoring market access for Indian exports
- Securing long-term energy and commodity commitments for the US
- It combines trade liberalisation with geopolitical and energy realignments.
Key Features of the Deal
1. Tariff Rationalisation
- US tariffs on Indian goods cut from a peak of 50% to 18%.
- India now enjoys preferential tariff treatment compared to competitors like Vietnam, Bangladesh and Pakistan (19–20%).
2. Removal of Punitive Duties
- The additional 25% penalty imposed over India’s Russian oil imports has been withdrawn.
3. Energy & Commodity Pivot
- India to significantly reduce / halt Russian oil imports.
- Shift in sourcing towards:
- US energy exports
- Potentially Venezuela
- $500 billion purchase commitment by India (multi-year) covering:
- Energy
- Agriculture
- Coal
- Technology products
4. Reciprocal Market Access
- India to progressively reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers on US industrial goods, moving towards near-zero duties in selected sectors.
5. Sectoral Safeguards
- Sensitive sectors excluded, notably:
- Dairy
- Staple agricultural crops
- Protects domestic farmers and food security.
6. Technology & Nuclear Cooperation
- Leveraging India’s SHANTI Act, 2025, the deal:
- Expands US access to India’s civil nuclear energy sector
- Encourages US investment in data centres and digital infrastructure
