Washington, Sep 27 (NationPress) As India and the United States have decided to extend trade discussions, sources informed IANS that New Delhi is advocating for a tariff rate under 20 percent. This push for tariffs below this threshold is crucial for maintaining India's competitiveness, especially as other South and Southeast Asian countries are facing US tariff rates ranging from 15 to 20 percent.

Additionally, sources indicated that India is urging the US to eliminate the extra 25 percent tariff on Russian oil imports. This aligns with the previous administration's perspective that European nations should also reduce their imports, asserting that India should not be unfairly targeted.

In a statement during the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar pointed out the “double standards” regarding access to energy and food resources.

“The Global South is bearing significant costs in terms of energy, food, and fertilizer security, highlighted by ongoing conflicts, notably in Ukraine and Gaza. These situations not only threaten supplies and logistics but also create pressure points for nations. The presence of double standards is evident,” he emphasized.

Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday in New York. Following their discussions, Rubio remarked that India holds “critical” importance for the US and praised the ongoing trade dialogues.

Jaishankar also shared via X, “Our discussions encompassed a wide array of bilateral and international issues of immediate concern. We agreed on the necessity of continued engagement to advance priority areas.”

On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer participated in the discussions.

“In the meeting, the External Affairs Minister and Secretary of State were accompanied by our Commerce and Industry Minister, along with the US Trade Representative. Numerous officials contributed to the meeting as well. The discussions primarily focused on trade and tariffs, while other facets of the bilateral relationship were also addressed,” Jaiswal stated at a weekly media briefing in New Delhi.

A statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry confirmed that the Indian delegation had “productive meetings” with US officials regarding various aspects of the agreement.

“Both parties exchanged insights on potential aspects of the deal, deciding to maintain discussions aimed at achieving a timely conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement,” it added.

Following his meeting with Jaishankar, Rubio indicated that the Trump administration might be open to revisiting the 25 percent tariffs imposed on India related to Russian oil purchases.

In an interview with NBC News, Rubio discussed US efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine and expressed hope that these additional tariffs on India could be amended.

“We have already seen the measures we’ve taken concerning India, although we are hopeful that these can be rectified,” he expressed.

Rubio criticized European nations for not “doing enough” to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

The MEA spokesperson also reiterated India's position on Russian energy purchases, asserting that “there must be no double standard in this matter” and underscoring the previous administration's calls for the EU, NATO, and G7 countries to cease buying Russian oil and gas.