New Delhi, April 10, 2025 – India is seizing the moment to lock in a trade deal with the United States after President Donald Trump paused tariffs for 75 countries, including India, slashing its rate from 26% to 10% for 90 days starting Wednesday. The White House’s Wednesday night pivot—jacking China’s tariffs to 125% while easing others—has New Delhi buzzing, with officials pushing to cement gains before the window shuts.
Trump’s Truth Social post flagged “reciprocal fairness,” giving India breathing room to boost exports like steel and textiles, hit hard by earlier duties. “It’s a golden chance,” a commerce ministry source told Hindustan Times. Talks, simmering since Modi’s February US visit, now aim for a late-2025 pact—easing US firm access to India’s $3 trillion market while dodging Trump’s looming 125% threat if retaliation kicks in. Posts on X cheer, “From 26% to 10%—India’s back in the game!”
The stakes are high. India’s $80 billion US exports in 2024 (The Indian Express)—20% tied to Chinese inputs—face supply chain risks as Beijing digs in. Yet, Trump’s pause, announced hours after his 104% China hike, flips the script. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s team is fast-tracking negotiations, eyeing farm goods and tech to sweeten the deal. “We’ve got 90 days—let’s move,” an insider said.
China’s shadow looms—its “open to talks” stance (NDTV) hints at counteroffers—but India’s not blinking. With RBI’s rate cut to 6% this week, the economy’s primed to ride this wave. The catch? Trump’s volatile playbook—will this hold, or flip again? For now, India’s playing smart, chasing a win before the clock ticks down.
