In major breakthrough, U.S. assures India of comparative tariff advantage over its competitors

New Delhi In a significant breakthrough towards the conclusion of the India-U.S. interim deal on trade, the U.S. has assured India of a comparative advantage over its competitors once it finalises its tariff structure, a senior official in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said, adding that both sides are working to complete the deal by the end of the current financial year. Indian officials have repeatedly been saying that India would move ahead with a deal only if the U.S.

assured it of a comparative advantage, as was agreed to in the February 2026 joint statement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. midterm elections impact on India: Faster trade deal talks and higher tariffs likely U.S.

midterm elections impact on India: Faster trade deal talks and higher tariffs likely Trade and geopolitical experts say that losing control of the U.S. Congress will push President Donald Trump to increase tariff pressure on India to seal a deal. Indian negotiators, for their part, will smell an opportunity U.S.