'First step towards comprehensive trade agreement': US Chamber of Commerce praises India-US tariff relief

US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal between India and the United States on Monday, adding that the US reciprocal tariffs on India would be slashed to 18 per cent.

• US and India agree to lower reciprocal tariffs from 25 percent to 18 percent
• US Chamber of Commerce welcomes the trade deal and praises leaders' efforts
• Deal seen as a step toward a broader US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement

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The US Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday welcomed the India-US trade agreement, saying the reduction in tariffs and non-tariff barriers would benefit companies and workers in both countries. The organisation congratulated President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leading the initiative.

In a statement, the Chamber also praised Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and US Ambassador Sergio Gor for their role in the talks. It said the deal could be the first step towards a broader trade agreement and added that its US-India Business Council would work with both governments to support implementation.

US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal between India and the United States on Monday, adding that the US reciprocal tariffs on India would be slashed to 18 per cent.

"Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25 per cent to 18 per cent," Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social.

"The Chamber, our U.S.-India Business Council, and our members are strong champions of this effort, and we look forward to partnering with both governments to implement today’s announcement," read the statement issued by US Chamber of Commerce.

Meanwhile, commenting on the deal, US India Strategic Partnership Forum said in a statement: "The reduction of India's reciprocal tariff from 25% to 18% marks an important and positive first step. While the agreement's specifics are pending, today’s announcement signals strong political will on both sides to move toward a comprehensive U.S.–India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) that addresses tariffs, market access, non-tariff barriers, and other trade-related issues across a wide range of sectors. A BTA between the two nations would deliver meaningful benefits for businesses, workers, and consumers in both countries, while strengthening supply chains and economic resilience."