India has delayed a scheduled trade mission to Washington this week, according to an official in its trade ministry, citing uncertainty arising from a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on tariffs and follow-up U.S. actions.
One trade ministry source, who requested anonymity because the matter is sensitive, said the postponement was the result of talks between officials of the two countries. "The decision to defer the visit was taken after discussions between officials of the two countries," the source said. "No new date for the visit has been decided."
The source told reporters the delay stemmed largely from confusion over tariffs after the court ruling. That ruling struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, and was followed by a U.S. move on Saturday to impose a temporary 15% tariff on imports into the United States from all countries, the maximum allowed by law, after the court's rejection.
India's delegation had been scheduled to depart on Sunday for discussions intended to finalise an interim trade agreement. The two sides had previously agreed on a framework under which Washington would reduce punitive tariffs of 25% on certain Indian exports that were linked to New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil.
Under terms already outlined in negotiations, U.S. tariffs on Indian goods were due to be reduced to 18%. India, in turn, had agreed to procure U.S. goods valued at $500 billion over five years, spanning categories from energy supplies to aircraft and parts, precious metals and technology products.
Domestically, India's main opposition Congress party urged a halt to the interim pact and called for renegotiation, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to issue a joint statement before the U.S. court's judgment.
On Saturday, the Indian trade ministry said it was examining the implications of the Supreme Court decision and subsequent U.S. announcements. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal had said last week that the interim agreement could take effect in April, contingent on resolution of outstanding issues during the Washington visit.
Context and next steps
Officials on both sides appear to be reassessing the timetable for completing the interim deal. With no new travel date set, the outcome and timing of the talks remain uncertain while the trade ministry continues its review of the court ruling and U.S. policy responses.