US-India Trade Deal: Senator Hails Agreement as Strategic Win Against China and Russia

Washington/New Delhi: Following India’s landmark trade deal with the European Union, India has now secured a significant trade agreement with the United States. President Donald Trump announced the deal on social media, confirming a reduction in US tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%.

US Senator Praises Deal
Republican Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praised President Trump for successfully negotiating the agreement with India. He described the deal as an opportunity for the US to strengthen its strategic position against global rivals such as China and Russia, and suggested that it could also contribute to ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

On Twitter, Senator Risch wrote:
“Congratulations to President Trump on this outstanding achievement with India. I am delighted that the world’s oldest and largest democracy has agreed to reduce trade barriers with the United States. India is a close partner of America, with a significant community residing in our country.”

Strategic Implications for the Indo-Pacific
Risch emphasized India’s role as a key partner in countering China in the Indo-Pacific region. Under the new agreement, India has committed to purchasing more US goods, which will help America counter Russian aggression. The senator added that the deal could weaken Russia’s energy sector by reducing Indian support, indirectly contributing to ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.

President Trump’s Statement
Trump announced the deal on Truth Social, stating that it was reached out of respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and at his request. The US President also claimed that India had agreed to halt oil imports from Russia, although analysts note that India has never officially accepted US pressure to stop buying Russian oil. Regardless, the tariff reduction from 25% to 18% offers significant relief for several Indian industries.

A Long-Awaited Deal
The trade agreement had been in the works for a long time. Last year, the US had imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods and a 25% penalty on Russian oil purchases, which effectively increased tariffs on Indian exports to 50%. With the new deal, India’s industries now face a much lower 18% tariff, providing a major boost to exporters.