U.S.-India Trade Talks Resume Amid Tariff Tensions

Talks highlight the widening role of agriculture in U.S.–India trade policy, though neither side appears ready for major concessions before tariff issues and oil imports are resolved.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Trade officials from Washington and New Delhi are meeting this week to restart formal negotiations aimed at a broader U.S.–India agreement.

The current round follows five earlier sessions this year and comes as both sides weigh tariffs, energy imports, and market access ahead of 2026 trade planning. India’s Commerce Ministry confirmed that Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal is leading the delegation, building on September meetings in Washington described as “constructive” but short of a breakthrough.

The talks resume under pressure from high U.S. tariffs — roughly 50 percent on some Indian imports — and Washington’s demand that India reduce its purchases of Russian oil. President Trump reiterated last week that existing duties will remain until those flows stop. Both governments have expressed optimism but caution that discussions will continue into late October before any deal is announced.

Agriculture remains one of the most sensitive areas. India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has said repeatedly that any agreement must protect farmers, fishermen, and small producers. U.S. negotiators are pressing for greater access in farm goods, processed foods, and biotechnology while India resists concessions that could disrupt its domestic market. Observers expect agriculture to anchor this week’s agenda alongside manufacturing and energy trade.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Talks highlight the widening role of agriculture in U.S.–India trade policy, though neither side appears ready for major concessions before tariff issues and oil imports are resolved.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
Related Stories
China has been largely absent from U.S. markets lately, but not when it comes to cotton. It’s a buy that, traders say, isn’t surprising given China’s limitations.
U.S. producers are holding off on equipment investments amid financial pressure, market uncertainty, a rising demand for diesel, and growing desperation for trade wins.
As the White House works to close the trade gap, patience is wearing thin for some lawmakers. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says farmers are getting backed into a corner.
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney joins us for a Canadian perspective on President Trump’s controversial tariff rollout, lower court rulings, and upcoming review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
With new renewable volume obligations announced this year, the Iowa Soybean Association says they’ll be vital to a farmer’s bottom line.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture revealed a more than 30% decrease in U.S. dairy farms since 2017. The shrinking industry is now uniting to advocate for itself while also adopting technology to reduce operational strain.
The September WASDE report comes out on Friday at Noon ET. As always, we’ll bring you those numbers right here on Market Day Report along with our expert
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was once again on the national stage, front and center this week before the House Agriculture Committee.
Pressure to lower gas prices across the Golden State could be the saving grace of this year’s corn harvest. California may soon be the final U.S. state to approve E-15 sales.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Plan for sharp, short-term volatility after unexpected outages; permanent closures rarely trigger major price spread disruptions.
Ethanol output softened, but underlying supply-and-demand trends indicate stable longer-term use despite short-term volatility in blending and exports.
Strong Farm Credit finances help cushion producers, but prolonged low crop margins could strain renewals in 2026.
USDA data confirms that U.S. agriculture remains overwhelmingly family-run despite structural shifts in scale and production, according to a new analystis by Farm Flavor.
Stronger sorghum genetics could enhance the resilience of bioenergy crops and broaden production options for growers in harsher climates.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to break down the scope of the U.S. Christmas Tree industry and what growers are up against.