US Media Cautious as India–US Trade Deal Signals Progress

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Major US media outlets have described the proposed India–US trade deal as a positive step after months of strain, while cautioning that several key aspects remain unresolved and unclear.

Fox News reported that former US President Donald Trump announced the agreement following a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the channel, the deal would reduce US tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent. Fox News also highlighted Trump’s claim that India had agreed to lower trade barriers and gradually stop purchasing Russian oil, instead increasing energy imports from the United States. The network linked the development to wider geopolitical considerations, particularly the Ukraine war, noting that Washington had been exerting pressure on India over its continued energy ties with Russia.

The Wall Street Journal framed the agreement as an attempt to cool down prolonged trade tensions between the two countries. It reported that India would halt Russian oil purchases and expand imports from the US, while Washington would respond by lowering tariffs. However, the Journal pointed out that the White House has yet to release official documentation to formalize these tariff reductions. It also noted that several major Indian exports, such as pharmaceuticals and electronics, were already largely exempt from earlier tariff measures.

The New York Times described the agreement as potentially significant but lacking in concrete details. The paper said the deal appears to roll back some of the steep tariffs imposed last year and could help ease bilateral tensions. At the same time, it flagged skepticism among analysts, who questioned whether India would fully end Russian oil imports and whether an 18 per cent tariff would still pose challenges for businesses.

Overall, US media outlets agree that the deal signals progress in India–US relations, but they stress that its real impact will depend on how quickly and clearly the announced commitments are translated into concrete action.


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