New Delhi: Amid the US slapping 26 percent reciprocal tariffs on India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday evening during which they agreed on the importance of early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement.
In a post on X, the EAM said they also exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East.
“Good to speak with @SecRubio today.
“Exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Sub-continent, Europe, Middle East/West Asia and the Caribbean.
“Agreed on the importance of the early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement.
“Look forward to remaining in touch.”
The talks come days after US President Donald Trump announced a 26% “discounted reciprocal tariff” on Indian imports, while describing the tariffs imposed by India as “very very tough”.
India and the US are negotiating the first tranche of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), which would be ready by fall of 2025
Last month Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, along with a team of US government officials, was in India for meetings with Indian interlocutors as part of the ongoing bilateral trade discussions.
UNI
