India and the US Engage in Trade and Defence Talks
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Synopsis
On March 29, India and the US engaged in discussions about trade and defence cooperation just ahead of President Trump's upcoming tariffs system. They focused on reducing trade barriers and boosting security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Takeaways
- India and US discuss trade and defence.
- Trump's tariffs system to be implemented soon.
- US trade deficit with India increased in 2024.
- Ongoing cooperation on immigration issues.
- 15,564 Indians deported from the US since 2009.
Washington, March 29 (NationPress) India and the US engaged in discussions concerning trade on Friday, just days before President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs system is set to be implemented.
In a conversation between US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, they also addressed ongoing defence collaboration and enhancing security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the US State Department, "They discussed ongoing efforts to minimize barriers to establish a fair and balanced bilateral trade relationship, reinforce cooperation in defence and technology, and enhance security and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region."
The US trade deficit with India amounted to $45.7 billion in 2024, marking a 5.4 percent increase ($2.4 billion) from 2023, based on data from the US Trade Representative (USTR), the leading trade negotiator for the US.
Total goods trade between both nations was approximately $129.2 billion in 2024.
American exports to India reached $41.8 billion, reflecting a 3.4 percent increase ($1.4 billion) from the previous year, while total US imports from India were $87.4 billion in 2024, a 4.5 percent rise ($3.7 billion) from 2023.
President Trump has urged India to increase purchases from the US and expressed concerns regarding India's higher tariffs on US goods. His officials have indicated that India may be among the nations targeted for reciprocal tariffs he plans to announce next Wednesday.
Nonetheless, Trump has also mentioned the possibility of exemptions and leniency without specifying any beneficiary countries.
During the call, Landau expressed gratitude to Foreign Secretary Misri for India's assistance in addressing illegal immigration to the US and requested ongoing cooperation from the Indian government on this matter, as stated by Bruce.
The US has deported numerous Indians who were discovered to have entered the country unlawfully.
The first group of illegal migrants from India returned by the Trump administration arrived in India in February 2025.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, "The US has been executing deportation operations for several years now," in response to a parliamentary inquiry on March 17.
From 2009 to 2024, a total of 15,564 Indian nationals have been deported by the US via chartered and commercial flights.
