India-U.S. Trade Talks Hit ‘Plateau’: Is Washington Negotiating Or Pressuring India?

India-U.S. trade talks have hit a “plateau”, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tells India Today Global, with both sides finding the remaining give-and-take increasingly difficult. Sitharaman also says tariffs have become “weaponised” as Washington seeks to address its trade imbalance. At the centre of the dispute are tariffs, market access, agriculture and dairy, sensitive sectors, non-tariff barriers and India’s continued purchase of Russian crude. Sitharaman argues that India’s energy choices should not become a bargaining chip in trade negotiations, while also pointing to the different approach taken by Europe. The big question: Is Washington negotiating with India — or using tariff pressure to push for a deal on U.S. terms? India says it remains committed to deeper economic ties with America, but wants reciprocal concessions and room to protect its farmers, sensitive sectors and strategic interests.