India, US to hold trade talks today in New Delhi

India and the US will hold the much awaited trade talks in New Delhi today to discuss bilateral and economic issues.
The talks have garnered everyone’ attention with hardly any sign of both sides melting down from the stand on a series of protectionist measures undertaken by the two governments in recent months that have strained ties between the strategic partners.

With harsh tone, U.S. President has been putting pressure on India to do more to open its markets. Earlier this week again on Twitter, he said India’s high tariffs were “unacceptable”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pushing nationalist policies with higher tariffs on everything from electronic goods to tighter controls on foreign firms in the fast growing e-commerce market to help foster domestic companies and create jobs for millions of youth.

New Delhi expects U.S. officials to push against India’s efforts to mandate foreign firms to store more of their data locally, said an Indian government official.

Washington is also hoped to seek revisions to foreign investment rules for the e-commerce sector that have forced companies such as Walmart Inc’s Flipkart and Amazon.com Inc to rework their business strategies in the country.

While the Indian side is being led by Additional Secretary level officer from Commerce and Industries Ministry, the US delegation will be led by Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Christopher Wilson.

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The visiting USTR delegation will also call on Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

It would be the first meeting on trade issues following the one held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump in Japan on the sidelines of the G-20 summit.