America is yearning for friendship with India. On one hand, US President Donald Trump is threatening to impose tariffs on Indian rice by accusing it of dumping, while at the same time, his own Chief Trade Negotiator Jameson Greer is praising India in the Senate. He even said that convincing India is like chewing iron gram. But we have got the best offer till now. Former Foreign Secretary and veteran diplomat Kanwal Sibal caught America’s game of good cop, bad cop. He said- There is a deep disconnect in the American administration, which is deliberately harming India-US relations.
On Wednesday, when US officials were starting two-day trade talks in New Delhi, at the same time ‘United States Trade Representative’ (USTR) Jameson Greer in Washington DC made a big statement. He said that America has received the best offer ever from India. However, while mentioning India’s tough stance on the import of American agricultural products, he also admitted that convincing India is like chewing iron.
Responding to a question by a US Senate committee, Greer said, as we speak, a team of mine is present there in New Delhi. India is protesting against some crops and meat products. As you said, convincing India is a difficult task. It’s like chewing iron gram. I agree with it 100 percent, but he is going too far… The offers he has given us are the best we have ever received as a country. I think India is a very viable alternative market.
What does America want?
- In fact, America is looking for markets other than China for its agricultural exports, especially crops like corn and soybean. On the other hand, India is adamant on its conditions to protect its small farmers from foreign competition. Due to these differences regarding agricultural trade, talks between the two countries broke down in August this year.
Trump’s threat – ‘I will solve the problem in 2 minutes’
Earlier on Monday, US President Donald Trump had threatened to impose new tariffs or import taxes on Indian rice over concerns of ‘dumping’ (selling goods cheaply). Trump’s statement came when during a meeting at the White House, an American farmer representative complained that countries like India, China and Thailand are dumping rice in America, causing losses to them. To this Trump replied that countries should not dump rice in America and tariffs would solve this problem.
India’s Laxman Rekha: Modi’s blunt words
On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made it clear during his Independence Day speech that India will not compromise with the interests of its farmers, fishermen and cattle herders. This statement is important at a time when there is a deadlock in trade talks with America regarding the entry of American products in India’s agriculture and dairy market.
What is the reality?
This statement of Greer is proof that America is in dire need of the Indian market as an alternative to China. American farmers are now looking for new buyers after selling their goods in China, Mexico and Europe, and India is the biggest alternative market in their eyes.
Understand how far the deal has reached with 5 questions
What is India-America ‘Trade Deal’ after all?
Both countries are currently talking about a ‘mini trade deal’ or limited trade agreement. In a full FTA, taxes are eliminated on almost all products, but it focuses only on selected sectors like agriculture, technology, medical devices. America wants India to open its doors and reduce tariffs for its agricultural products soybean, corn, almonds, dairy.
What is the status of India-US trade deal now?
The situation is delicate but full of hope. The American team is in Delhi. American negotiator Jameson Greer says that India has given the ‘best offer’ so far. Things got worse in August 2025, but now India can consider importing American soybean to make ethanol (biofuel), which could be a major breakthrough.
What does ‘best offer’ mean, what is India ready to give?
‘Best offer’ means that India has reduced its traditional strictness a little. According to sources, India is ready to reduce tariffs on American fruits like blueberries, cranberries and some nuts. Also, a proposal to relax the import rules for poultry (chicken) and raw materials for biofuel is also on the table. This will be a big victory for America because India has been very protectionist till now.
Will Trump’s threat of ‘tariffs on rice’ jeopardize the deal?
This could be Trump’s old negotiation tactic. Trump often makes threats to put pressure just before the deal. However, experts like Kanwal Sibal believe that this dogmatism can spoil relationships. If Trump really imposes tariffs on rice, India may retaliate, which may stall the deal again.
What is the biggest challenge for India?
The biggest challenge for India is its small farmers and dairy sector. Crores of people in India are associated with milk production. If America’s cheap milk and cheese is dumped in India, then the business of Amul and small farmers will be ruined. Moreover, India is not in favor of allowing GM (genetically modified) food for human consumption. PM Modi has made it clear that these ‘red lines’ will not be crossed.
Expert Opinion
Former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal said- Trump administration ‘disconnected’
Former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal has slammed this dual policy of the American administration. He wrote on the social media platform ‘X’ that there is a world of difference between America’s statements and actions. Greer is positive about the proposals made by India in trade talks. It’s like a surprise. There is a clear ‘disconnect’ between his statements and Trump’s continued intransigence on tariff issues. The Trump administration is not able to organize itself. It seems that America is deliberately harming India-India relations.
