What Did the FM Discuss with the US Delegation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nirmala Sitharaman held discussions with a US delegation.
- Focus on geopolitical developments and mutual interests.
- Delegation included representatives from leading US institutions.
- Resumption of trade talks is crucial amid tariff disputes.
- US Trade Representative praised India's pragmatic approach.
New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman engaged in a dialogue with a US delegation on Monday, addressing contemporary geopolitical shifts and mutual interests between India and the United States.
The delegation was spearheaded by Walter Russell Mead, a noted fellow of the Hudson Institute.
According to a post by the Ministry of Finance on X, "Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs @nsitharaman interacted with a US delegation led by Mr. Walter Russell Mead, @HudsonInstitute, in New Delhi, today."
The discussions primarily revolved around geopolitical developments and collaborative interests pertinent to the India-US partnership, the ministry further noted.
The delegation included representatives from prominent US institutions such as the Hudson Institute, American Enterprise Institute, Eagle Capital Management, Crow Holdings, and Rationalwave Capital Partners.
In light of the ongoing tariff disputes between India and the US, the revival of trade discussions is a relief for traders and manufacturers within India.
Earlier this month, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer described India's stance in trade negotiations as "pragmatic" and mentioned that both parties are "striving to negotiate a deal."
During a fireside chat at the Economic Club of New York, Greer elaborated on the persistent negotiations with India.
“The Indians are being pragmatic. We have been having discussions with the Indians since day one of the administration on the trade side of the ledger. So, when you mention a 50 percent tariff on India, half of that 25 percent is indeed trade-related. It's the reciprocal tariff. We are working towards negotiating a deal," he emphasized.
This statement followed Greer's meeting with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New York on September 22.
Additionally, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar.
After their talks, Rubio commended the ongoing trade exchange and asserted that India holds a "critical" position for his nation.