India, US "completely committed" to trade deal, Russia sanctions bill is American legislative process: Commerce Secy
New Delhi, August 13
India and the US remain committed to moving ahead with their trade deal, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Thursday even as a US legislation that allows tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the top five purchasers of Russian moves through the American legislative process.
"This is something of a legislative process of the US which is underway. I don't think we should comment on that. That's their internal process," Agrawal said when asked about the bill and its potential impact on India.
"We are engaged with the US side on the trade deal, and our contacts are regular. And both sides are committed to the deal that we have agreed. Both sides are completely committed to move ahead in that spirit," he said here.
Agrawal's comments come days after the US Senate passed a Russia sanctions bill that could give the US President the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on top five importers of Russian oil and gas.
The legislation, however, still requires consideration by the US House of Representatives before it can move further.
India and US have been holding talks for a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
During his June 22-24 visit to New Delhi, US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal reviewed key elements of the agreement, including enhanced market access, digital trade, supply chain resilience, reduction of non-tariff barriers and cooperation in strategic sectors.
Both sides had noted substantial progress by their negotiating teams and reaffirmed their commitment to an agreement that is balanced, commercially meaningful and delivers tangible benefits for businesses, farmers, workers and consumers in both countries.
In February, India and the US had announced a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, reaffirming their commitment to the broader BTA negotiations.
US Presidential Counsellor Peter Navarro said earlier this week that President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a "very good working relationship" and would resolve issues concerning the Russian-oil-related tariff issue.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the diplomatic response, we can't ignore the elephant in the room - India's continued purchase of Russian oil. The US keeps talking about 'commitment' but their actions towards countries doing business with Russia tell a different story. Hope the trade deal doesn't get derailed by geopolitics. 🙏
Interesting to see how New Delhi is balancing its strategic autonomy with deepening US ties. India has always played its cards smartly - maintaining relationships with both Moscow and Washington. The trade deal is crucial for both economies, so hopefully pragmatism prevails over geopolitical posturing.
Itni baat hai ki talks chal rahe hain... but the real question is when will we see actual benefits on ground? Both sides have been 'committed' for years now. Business community is getting impatient. Time for concrete outcomes, not just statements! 🔥
The way US is targeting Russia through these sanctions is concerning. India has legitimate energy security needs and we can't just abandon Russian oil because Washington says so. The trade deal must not come at the cost of our sovereign foreign policy decisions. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Honestly, this is just American political drama. Every election cycle they bring out some Russia-bashing bill to score points. India should stay focused on its own interests - we need this BTA for our exporters and IT sector. Let the Americans sort out their internal politics.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.