New Delhi, Dec 11, 2025: The Indian government is actively engaged with the United States to address the impact of executive orders issued by US President Donald Trump on reciprocal tariffs, visas, and illegal migration, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

In his written reply, Singh noted that India’s authorities are in close consultation with exporters and industry stakeholders to “assess their feedback on the implications of the US measures.” He added that engagement with the US includes ongoing negotiations aimed at concluding a mutually beneficial, multi-sector bilateral trade agreement (BTA).

US Deputy Trade Representative Visit

The US Deputy Trade Representative, Rick Switzer, is currently on a two-day visit to India. During his stay, he has met with commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal and discussed efforts to advance the BTA. Indian officials described Switzer’s visit as a familiarisation trip, but the trade agreement figured prominently in discussions.

Background of US Measures

Singh explained that the US imposed reciprocal tariffs on July 31 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) on certain goods exported by India and other countries. An additional 25% ad valorem duty was applied on select Indian exports on August 27 in response to India’s import of Russian oil. These measures have strained India-US trade relations, with the US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer describing India as a “difficult nut to crack,” citing resistance to importing US agricultural goods.

Several goods and services remain exempt from US tariffs, including crude oil, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, bullion, certain electronics, critical minerals, resins and plastics, agricultural products, and IT services. Singh also emphasised that India and the US share a comprehensive global strategic partnership, encompassing trade, energy, defence, and technology cooperation.

Ongoing Diplomatic Engagement

“The ministries and departments concerned are seized of the executive orders and have engaged their US counterparts to address these issues,” Singh said. The government is actively working to ensure that the interests of Indian exporters and the broader economy are safeguarded while pursuing a fair and balanced trade arrangement with the US.