Jaishankar Speaks To Rubio,  Pushes Need For Quick Trade Deal Amid Tariff Disputes

NEW DELHI — External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said on April 7that he had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that both sides acknowledged the importance of concluding a bilateral trade agreement soon.

Jaishankar shared the update in a post on X, offering no further details but affirming that the conversation reflected a shared understanding of the deal’s urgency.

Indian officials have signaled that, despite concerns over U.S.-imposed reciprocal tariffs—currently as high as 26% on some goods—New Delhi has no immediate plans to retaliate.

Instead, the government is focused on advancing trade talks and has identified a potential clause in a Trump-era tariff order that may allow relief for countries making “significant steps” to address trade imbalances.

Electronics, gems and jewelry, and fisheries remain vulnerable to tariff-related trade disruptions but India believes the shifting global trade landscape offers an opportunity to expand access to U.S. markets, particularly as American companies look to diversify supply chains away from China.