As India and the United States inch closer to a long anticipated trade deal, recent developments offer a rare window of opportunity that the two nations would do well to seize. US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India ~ though labelled part personal ~ was rich in symbolism and strategic timing. It is no coincidence that he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid a 90- day pause on tariff hikes declared by President Donald Trump. The pause, meant to allow breathing room for major trading partners, now serves as a crucial deadline.

For India, the stakes are high. With bilateral trade reaching $129 billion in 2024, and a healthy surplus in its favour, the US remains our most significant economic partner. Yet, the relationship has often been marred by mutual grievances. Washington criticizes India’s tariffs and market access restrictions, while New Delhi laments US trade unpredictability and technology curbs. A fair and future-looking agreement could........

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