An emboldened India holds out for better terms as US trade talks drag on

India is holding out for significantly better terms in its ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, adopting a more assertive stance that reflects New Delhi's growing confidence in its own economic leverage, Reuters reported.

The shift in posture is notable. Earlier rounds of talks had seen India signal flexibility on several fronts in hopes of securing a quick agreement. But with a framework deal still elusive and key issues unresolved — including, as officials separately confirmed, the competitive advantage aspects of the proposed arrangement — New Delhi appears to have calculated that patience serves its interests better than haste.

Indian negotiators are understood to be pushing back on US demands in sectors where domestic industries are sensitive, including agriculture, dairy and certain manufactured goods. At the same time, India is seeking stronger market access guarantees for its exports, particularly in technology and pharmaceuticals, where Indian companies are globally competitive.

The deadlock has implications beyond bilateral trade. With the US having imposed sweeping tariffs on multiple countries, the terms India secures — or fails to secure — will affect the relative competitiveness of Indian goods against rivals like Vietnam, Bangladesh and Mexico in the American market. Officials indicated talks are continuing, but a near-term breakthrough is far from certain.