Deal Or Deceit? US Pressures India To Open Farms – Is Washington Pushing A One-Sided Trade Trap? | World News

New Delhi: The clock is passing. US President Donald Trump was just a few days before the deadline for July 9. A limited trade agreement between India and the United States still continues. However, the mood around the negotiation table makes you feel something that has settled.

The White House clearly implies that the agreement was made. In the new Delhi, the authorities repeated a similar feeling that called the potential agreement “great, good and beautiful”. Trump claimed that he would open Indian markets to American goods. However, behind the closed doors, things remain hard and forth.

Basic concerns rejected the budget. Agriculture, automobile parts and steel tariffs continue to dominate the speaking. Indian negotiators extended their stay for another interview round. On the other hand, India clearly stated that there will be no compromise on protecting farmers and milk producers. However, the United States continues to push for more access.

Time consuming. He’s hanging in optimistic air, but so is doubt.

Experts who follow the talks believe that the next week can bring clarity. Either a small agreement takes place or both sides move away. At least for now.

Agriculture continues to be the biggest point of adhesion. The United States wants access to Egypt, soybeans and cotton. India is resisting. Food safety and livelihood of small farmers on the Indian side intensively. Experts say that India does not want to reduce support prices or reduce public tender. These programs offer a security network for millions of rural families.

Rice, wheat or milk tariffs are not expected to cut. These sectors carry political risks. More than 700 million people depend directly or indirectly. Rural India cannot meet shocks.

A policy certificate by a government think -tank recently proposed tariff discounts on US agricultural property. Rice, milk, poultry, corn, apple, almond and GM soybean were listed. However, the authorities have not yet confirmed that this reflects the official position of the government or remained as a draft offer.

Experts warn that if the US insists as a prerequisite in farm access, the agreement may collapse. They believe that expectations from Washington may have been determined without considering the political facts of India.

Non -tariff barriers are another headache. The United States increased concerns about India’s increasing quality control orders. There are currently more than 700 people, most of them depend on the brand campaign in India. These rules aim to prevent low -grade imports and increase local production. However, they also made it difficult for American goods to enter the Indian market.

Some Indian economists defined these policies as restrictive. They claim that such controls damage small and medium -sized enterprises by increasing their compliance costs.

The agricultural trade between the two countries is already $ 8 billion. India sends rice, shrimp and spices. The US is sending almonds, lentils and apples. However, the United States see a trade gap of $ 45 billion. He wants to reduce it by exporting more farm products.

Experts are afraid that tariff relaxation can open the door to press India’s support programs. Concern is not abstract. Political, economic and rural.

A mini agreement seems more likely. Something modest. A gesture. One step forward, although not one step. Experts suggest that the agreement may contain tariff cuts in industrial goods, especially in cars. In contrast, India can provide limited access to products such as ethanol, raisins, olive oil and distinguished wines.

However, agriculture will probably be deported. Great concessions are not expected there.

Beyond the goods, Washington wants India to buy oil, gas, aircraft, helicopters and even nuclear reactor-large tickets. Foreign investment rules in retailing also remain at the table. US companies such as Amazon and Walmart continue to benefit. The new Delhi was cautious.

The United States also follows flexibility in arrangements for renewed items. This will facilitate the input for used electronics and other products.

Experts say that if this mini agreement occurs, it will revolve around tariff cuts and strategic purchases. Bigger problems such as digital trade, intellectual property and service exports will be shelved for future tours.

Initially, the two sides looked align. A simple principle guided them-America, capital would focus on dense goods and India-oriented goods. This equation is not synchronized now.

If the interviews collapse, the sprinkle may be limited. Experts do not expect Trump to re -imagine the 26% tariff on Indian goods. Under the most preferred nation (MFN) rates, 10% seem to be more likely more likely. These are the members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) members of the standard tariffs.

In April, 57 countries faced US tariffs. Only the United Kingdom made an agreement. Choosing India would raise his eyebrows.

Nevertheless, observers remain cautious. Trump is known for surprises. And surprises can invalidate expectations.