India A ‘Tough Nut To Crack,’ Says US Trade Representative Greer
WASHINGTON, DC-India remains one of the most challenging markets for U.S. trade negotiators, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers, citing persistent barriers in agriculture and market access even as both countries continue discussions on a trade framework.
“India is a tough nut to crack,” Greer said during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, adding that New Delhi has “protected their agricultural markets for a very long time.”
His remarks came in response to questions on expanding U.S. agricultural exports, including products such as distillers dried grains (DDGs), soybean meal and ethanol, which American producers view as key opportunities in the Indian market.
Greer said Indian trade negotiators were in Washington this week for talks and that discussions were continuing under a broader bilateral framework agreement. “The Indian trade negotiators are in town this week so we’ve been talking this week about these issues,” he said.
A team of senior Indian trade officials on April 22 concluded its latest round of talks with officials from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and other members of the Trump administration.
Despite the challenges, Greer said progress may be possible in areas where India’s domestic sensitivities are lower. “There are things… where I think we can find mutual agreement,” he said, citing DDGs as one possible area for cooperation.
India has long maintained high tariff and non-tariff barriers in agriculture, a politically sensitive sector linked to rural livelihoods. U.S. lawmakers have repeatedly raised restricted access for American farm products as a major issue in bilateral trade ties.
The hearing also highlighted broader U.S. concerns about global market access, with Greer saying the administration’s trade policy seeks “reciprocity” by ensuring countries benefiting from access to the U.S. market open their own markets in return.
During the hearing, lawmakers referred to India’s past tariff reductions on certain products, including bourbon, as incremental progress, while pressing for deeper structural changes. Greer said negotiations were aimed at achieving such outcomes, though progress would likely be gradual given India’s long-standing policy approach.
The United States is seeking expanded access for agricultural exports and industrial goods, while India is expected to pursue concessions in areas such as services and market access for its own exports.
Trade between the two countries has grown steadily over the past decade, making India one of the United States’ key strategic and economic partners in the Indo-Pacific. However, disputes over tariffs, digital trade and agricultural access have periodically strained ties. (IANS)
