India-US trade deal hopes rise but the reliability part remains in doubt

While it is essential that the government do its best to avoid being hit with high tariffs, it should also keep in mind that any deal with the US is subject to the vagaries of its leadership

United States (US) Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick this week said that he was “very optimistic” that a trade deal with India could be agreed in an accelerated timeframe — before, in fact, the July deadline, which marks the end of the 90-day “pause” on the US’ high retributive tariffs. This sounds like excellent news, but should also be greeted with some scepticism. India’s negotiators have not made it a secret that they are not so certain that any initial deal can be comprehensive enough to satisfy stakeholders. It may be limited to certain sectors that are politically important to the