India has postponed sending a trade delegation to Washington this week, mainly because of uncertainty after the US Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, Reuters reported, quoting a source in the trade ministry.
This marks one of the first reactions among Asian nations to the ruling, coming after Trump’s move on Saturday to levy a temporary tariff of 15%, the maximum allowed by law, on U.S. imports from all countries, in the wake of the court’s rejection.
“The decision to defer the visit was taken after discussions between officials of the two countries,” said the source, who sought anonymity as the matter is a sensitive one. “No new date for the visit has been decided.”
Following Friday’s judgment, the uncertainty over tariffs has caused the delay, the source added.
The delegation was scheduled to leave on Sunday for talks aimed at finalising an interim trade deal, after both sides agreed on a framework under which Washington would cut punitive tariffs of 25% on certain Indian exports tied to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.
US tariffs on Indian produce were set to be cut to 18%, while India agreed to buy U.S. items worth $500 billion over five years, ranging from energy supplies to aircraft and parts, precious metals and technology products.
Questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to issue a joint statement before the court’s ruling on Friday, India’s opposition Congress party had earlier called for the interim pact to be put on hold and urged renegotiation.
The Indian trade ministry on Saturday said it was studying the implications of the judgment and later US announcements.
Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said last week the interim pact could come into force in April once remaining issues were resolved during the delegation’s visit to Washington.
