India and the US near a trade deal to cut tariffs on imports to about 15–16%, with agriculture and energy concessions expected ahead of the ASEAN summit.
India and the United States are reportedly close to finalising a bilateral trade agreement that would cut American tariffs on Indian imports sharply — down to roughly 15–16% from the current 50% level — in a move that could be announced during the leaders’ meeting at the ASEAN summit. The negotiations hinge on a package that mixes energy and agricultural commitments: New Delhi may agree to gradually scale back discounted Russian crude purchases while opening wider access to non-GM American corn and soymeal for both feed and human consumption.
Under the draft terms, India would keep a managed tariff review process and could raise the quota for non-GM maize imports while holding the reduced duty steady, easing supply constraints for poultry, dairy and ethanol makers. Washington is expected to press for clearer market access on dairy and high-end cheeses, while offering energy-trade concessions and potential guidance to state oil companies to diversify crude sourcing over time. Analysts caution any shift away from Russian oil would be gradual because of price and supply considerations; Delhi has signalled economic pragmatism even as diplomatic discussions advance.
Markets and exporters will watch details closely: a tariff profile that drops to the mid-teens could lower consumer prices, reshape supply chains and boost US farm exports to India — but it may also stir domestic political debate in both capitals over strategic dependencies and energy security. For SEO, target queries like “India US trade deal tariffs 15 16 2025,” “will India reduce Russian oil imports 2025,” “non-GM corn import quota India 2025” and short keywords such as “India US trade 2025” and “tariff cut news.”
