India-US Trade Accord: A New Era of Cooperation

Former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar hailed the new India-US trade agreement as a precursor to the India-EU deal, emphasizing India's strategic autonomy. President Trump announced tariff reductions, aiming to balance bilateral trade relations and enhance global peace through cooperative nationalism.

In a significant diplomatic development, former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar has likened the newly announced India-US trade pact to the 'first child' of the seminal India-EU trade deal, which he referred to as the 'mother of all trade deals.' Akbar stated that the agreement, announced on January 27, signaled India's deft handling of the American market.

Criticizing past US trade policies, Akbar noted that President Trump's tariff tactics, intended to coerce India, had been neutralized by India's growing trade partnership with Europe. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's doctrine of cooperative nationalism, which emphasizes national pride coupled with international cooperation. Akbar also expressed optimism that this trade accord would stabilize future India-US relations.

US President Trump, announcing the accord on Truth Social, highlighted significant tariff reductions and India's reduced dependence on Russian oil, signaling an end to the Ukraine conflict. The agreement, a result of mutual respect, promises to forge stronger bilateral ties, according to both Trump and Modi, reflecting their shared commitment to progress and global stability.