India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in New Delhi as uncertainty continues over American tariffs on Indian goods. The meeting signalled that both countries are still working to strengthen trade ties despite the policy confusion.
The discussion came after legal and policy developments in the United States put earlier tariff plans in doubt. While the exact details of the talks were not disclosed, both sides described the interaction positively. Goyal said on social media that the meeting involved “very fruitful discussions” to expand the India-US trade and economic partnership.
The US ambassador to India also called the lunch meeting “highly productive,” indicating that dialogue between the two countries remains active even as tariff rules remain unclear.
Reports suggest that an interim framework under which the US was expected to reduce tariffs on Indian goods to about 18% is currently on hold. However, officials from both sides appear keen to continue engagement and keep the broader trade relationship moving forward.
The US Commerce Secretary is visiting India mainly for a private event, but his interaction with Goyal is being seen as significant because he is the highest-ranking member of the Donald Trump economic team to visit India recently.
Both nations have earlier set an ambitious goal of expanding bilateral trade to $500 billion in the coming years. Officials say stronger cooperation could help create jobs, boost innovation and increase shared economic growth.
Trade tensions had risen after the United States imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports in 2025, at one point reaching as high as 50%. Negotiations since then have aimed to ease the pressure and build a broader trade deal.
For now, the tariff situation remains in flux, but the latest meeting suggests India and the United States are still committed to finding a workable solution and deepening their economic partnership.
