In a significant development for India–US trade relations, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has told American lawmakers that India has put forward the “best offers Washington has received as a country” during the ongoing negotiations aimed at improving market access for American agricultural products. Greer’s remarks signal a rare moment of strong forward movement in bilateral trade discussions that have otherwise seen years of slow progress and unresolved issues.
India’s Proposals Mark an “Unusual Opening”
Speaking at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing in Washington, DC, Greer highlighted that a US trade team is currently in New Delhi to negotiate sensitive agricultural barriers that have long been sticking points between the two nations. The negotiations are being led on the US side by Deputy US Trade Representative Ambassador Rick Switzer, while India’s position is represented by Joint Secretary Darpan Jain.
Greer noted that India has shown unexpected flexibility, stating that New Delhi’s latest proposals mark “an unusual opening” despite resistance on certain row crops. He emphasised that the offers presented by India are the most forward-leaning they have seen, adding, “the best we’ve ever received as a country.”
India Seen as a Viable Alternative to China for US Commodities
One of the key points emphasized by Greer was India’s growing role as a “viable alternative market” for US commodities. He pointed out that American producers are currently facing piling inventories and volatile demand from China, creating an urgent need for diversified export markets.
Greer’s comments highlight rising geopolitical and trade tensions involving China, which have influenced US trade policy across multiple sectors. Although he did not provide specific commodity categories, he reiterated that India’s growing buyer capacity is being taken seriously within US export strategies.
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Lawmakers Push for Reduced China Dependence
Committee Chair Jerry Moran, who represents Kansas—one of the US’s major agricultural states—pressed Greer on the importance of reducing reliance on China. Moran referred to India as “a difficult country to crack” due to long-standing trade barriers and domestic sensitivities.
In response, Greer argued that the current talks with India are progressing further than in previous US administrations, indicating a measurable shift in negotiation dynamics.
Part of a Larger US Trade Policy Shift
Greer explained to lawmakers that the discussions with India are not taking place in isolation but are part of a broader re-orientation in US trade policy. The aim is to:
Reduce trade deficits
Strengthen reciprocal arrangements
Expand market access across key regions
He cited progress in Southeast Asia and Europe as examples of recent gains that are reinforcing America’s negotiating leverage with large economies like India. This coordinated approach, Greer said, is designed to ensure long-term stability in US export markets.
Tariffs and Market-Access Issues May Expand Beyond Agriculture
While the current focus of the New Delhi meetings is agriculture, Greer hinted that the talks could evolve into broader discussions involving:
Tariffs
Market access
Non-agriculture trade sectors
This widening scope underscores the complexity and significance of India–US trade relations, especially as both countries work toward strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Key Background: Two Parallel Negotiations Underway
According to US officials, India and the US are currently engaged in two separate but parallel trade negotiations:
A framework trade deal – focused on issues such as tariffs and market access.
A comprehensive trade deal, which would take a wider view of bilateral trade roles and obligations.
The recent visit by the US delegation is crucial because both nations are trying to finalize the first tranche of the proposed bilateral trade agreement.
This marks the second visit by US officials since the US imposed:
A 25% tariff, and
An additional 25% penalty
on Indian goods entering the American market, following India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.
However, the article does not provide specific details on the goods affected or the negotiations related to these penalties.
Negotiations Continue Amid Strong Diplomatic Momentum
Although resistance persists in India regarding certain row crops, Greer maintained that India has been “quite forward-leaning” on overall agricultural market access. This tone marks one of the most optimistic public assessments by a US trade official in recent years.
The presence of a high-level US delegation in New Delhi signals continued momentum in the negotiations, and policymakers on both sides are pushing to translate this progress into a concrete agreement.
What Comes Next?
The article does not detail the next steps or timeline for concluding the agreements. However, Greer’s statements indicate that:
Negotiations are moving in a positive direction
India’s agricultural proposals are unprecedented in their scale
The bilateral relationship is showing stronger alignment than seen in earlier administrations
With both nations attempting to secure stronger economic partnerships amid global uncertainties, these discussions could become a critical turning point in India-US trade ties.
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