India continues talks with US over proposed tariffs as trade deal negotiations advance

India is continuing discussions with the United States regarding proposed tariff measures under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 while simultaneously working towards finalising a bilateral trade framework agreement with Washington the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on WednesdayThe ministrys clarification comes after the Office of the United States Trade Representative USTR concluded investigations involving 60 economies including India over measures related to imports of goods allegedly produced through forced labourFollowing the investigations the USTR proposed additional tariffs on imports from the economies covered under the proceedings However the proposed measures have not yet been finalised and remain subject to a public consultation processProposed tariffs still under consultation processAccording to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry the USTR has invited stakeholders to participate in the consultation process before any final decision is takenInterested parties can submit requests to participate in public hearings until June 22 2026 while written comments may be filed until July 6 2026 The public hearings are scheduled to be held on July 7 2026The USTR is expected to review all submissions comments and testimony received during the consultation process before determining whether the proposed tariff measures should be implementedThe ministry emphasised that the process remains ongoing and no final action has been announced by the United StatesCertain products exempt from proposed measuresThe ministry noted that products already covered under Section 232 tariffs along with certain other categories of goods have been excluded from the proposed Section 301 tariff measuresIn addition the USTR has proposed a special mechanism for textile and apparel products The proposal would allow a specified volume of imports from selected economies to enter the US market at reduced tariff rates potentially providing some relief to exporters in the sectorThe details of the mechanism are expected to be further examined during the consultation processIndia and US continue trade framework negotiationsAlongside discussions on the Section 301 proceedings India and the United States are continuing negotiations to finalise a bilateral trade framework agreement announced earlier this yearThe Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the talks are being conducted in line with the framework announced on February 2 2026 and the joint statement issued by both countries on February 7 2026India remains engaged with the US on the matter as part of the Section 301 proceedings the ministry saidOfficials from both countries have held several rounds of discussions in recent months as they seek to advance the proposed trade arrangement and address outstanding issuesFocus on market access and supply chain cooperationThe ongoing negotiations are part of broader efforts by New Delhi and Washington to strengthen economic ties and resolve traderelated concerns through dialogueThe proposed framework is expected to cover areas such as market access tariff issues nontariff barriers supply chain resilience and investment cooperationBoth sides are also working towards an early harvest arrangement that could deliver limited trade outcomes ahead of a more comprehensive agreementThe ministry reiterated that India will continue engaging with US authorities through the ongoing consultation process while pursuing the broader objective of concluding the bilateral trade framework agreement and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries