‘They'll find some sensible outcome’: Shashi Tharoor expresses hope for India-US trade talks

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday expressed optimism ahead of the visit of a US delegation to India for trade discussions, as both nations navigate the impact of the upcoming

reciprocal tariffs

set to be imposed by US President Donald Trump from April 2.
The delegation, led by US trade representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, is in India from March 25 to March 29 for talks with officials from the

commerce ministry

.
Speaking to reporters, Tharoor elaborated on concerns over the potential impact of Trump’s trade policies on India's exports.

"The problem is that US President Donald Trump has taken a very strong stand that from April 2, a reciprocal tariff will apply," he said, noting that India imposes tariffs on several American imports.
"If you strictly understand what reciprocal means, it would mean that our exports to America will also be affected. So I'm hoping that in the talks they'll find some sensible outcome", he added.
Tharoor also emphasised India’s trade surplus with the US, which stands at $45 billion. "Some of it will certainly be reduced now, but we don't want it to seriously affect our exports and our economy and our trade balance," he said.
The Congress leader expressed hope that the discussions would yield a balanced solution that safeguards India's trade interests.
The Trump administration’s push for reciprocal tariffs stems from the president's long-standing demand for trade fairness. The move triggered concerns among Indian policymakers, given that India's exports to the US could face new restrictions if the tariffs are enforced.
The visiting US delegation aims to finalise the framework of a new trade agreement that could redefine the two countries' economic relationship.
A spokesperson from the US Embassy said that the delegation values its ongoing engagement with the Indian government on trade and investment matters, and aims to ensure that discussions remain "constructive, equitable, and forward-looking".
Tharoor's remarks on trade come amid his recent shift in stance regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. At the

Raisina Dialogue

held in Delhi the previous week, the Congress MP admitted that his earlier criticism of India's neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict had proven to be premature.
"I am still wiping the egg off my face because I was one of the few in Parliament who criticised India’s position in February 2022," he said. Tharoor acknowledged that India’s diplomatic balancing act has positioned Modi as a key player capable of engaging with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.