US Delegation Cancels India Visit, Future of Trade Deal Remains Indistinct

A scheduled visit by a United States trade delegation to India has been cancelled, leading to the postponement of the sixth round of bilateral trade talks, reports NDTV.

The delegation was set to arrive between August 25 and 29, but rising tensions over tariffs have derailed the planned discussions.

According to the reports, the primary agenda of the visit was to advance negotiations on a long-pending bilateral trade agreement, which both sides hoped to finalise by September or October. However, the latest move casts uncertainty over that timeline.

The cancellation follows recent developments in U.S. trade policy, including an announcement by President Donald Trump imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods. The move comes amid continued U.S. displeasure over India's oil imports from Russia. A similar tariff was previously introduced earlier this year.

One of the key sticking points in the trade talks has been the U.S. push for greater access to India's agricultural and dairy sectors. Indian negotiators have consistently opposed such demands, citing risks to the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers, as well as sensitivities around religious and cultural practices related to milk consumption.

In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared to double down on his support for domestic producers, stressing the need to protect local farmers, fishermen, and small businesses.

Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant has reiterated Washington’s position, warning of further punitive measures if trade negotiations fail to progress. "We have already imposed secondary tariffs on India for its continued purchases of Russian oil. If talks remain stalled, additional tariffs may follow," Besant stated earlier this week.

Expectations that the situation might improve following President Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska have so far yielded no breakthrough.

While both sides have indicated willingness to resume talks at a later date, no new schedule has been confirmed.