**‘Red lines must be respected’: Jaishankar on US-India trade talks**
*By Snehil Singh | Oct 06, 2025, 10:28 AM*
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized the importance of respecting India’s “red lines” in any potential trade agreement with the United States. Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Enclave, he acknowledged ongoing issues between the two countries, particularly related to tariffs.
“We have today issues with the United States,” Jaishankar said, highlighting that these challenges stem from the inability to find common ground during trade negotiations.
### Tariff Criticism
Jaishankar strongly criticized the United States for imposing what he described as “unfair tariffs” on India. One notable example he cited was the tariff related to India’s energy sourcing from Russia. According to the minister, despite several other countries also sourcing energy from Russia—and in some cases maintaining more antagonistic relations with Moscow—India faces disproportionate scrutiny and tariffs.
### Importance of Trade Understanding
The minister stressed that reaching a trade understanding with the US is crucial, considering it is the world’s largest market and many other countries have successfully achieved such agreements with the US.
### Commitment to Negotiations
India remains committed to finding common ground in trade talks, which have been ongoing since March 2025. Jaishankar underscored that although there are strains in the relationship, many aspects of engagement between the two countries continue as usual or have even improved.
“There are problems. Nobody is in denial of it,” he said, adding that these issues need to be negotiated and resolved through dialogue.
### Historical Context
The US-India trade relationship has experienced tension since the Trump administration increased tariffs on Indian goods to as high as 50%. This includes an additional 25% duty imposed due to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. At the time, India described the US actions as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
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As trade talks continue, both nations appear focused on bridging differences while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/jaishankar-says-us-trade-deal-must-respect-india-s-red-lines/story