This document addresses Unstarred Question No. 2430 in Lok Sabha, answered on 13/02/2026, concerning the economic and strategic interests of India. The question, posed by Ms. S Jothimani, asks about the implications of recent or proposed tariffs, trade restrictions, or import duties imposed by the United States on Indian goods, the diplomatic steps taken by the Indian government to address these measures, and the government's strategy to protect India's economic and strategic interests.
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh) answers that on February 2, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump discussed bilateral and international issues. Following this call, President Trump announced that tariffs applicable to India were reduced to 18%.
The government consulted with Indian exporters and industry, provided targeted support, improved the utilization of existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and advanced negotiations on new trade agreements. Discussions also continued with the U.S. for a balanced and mutually beneficial trade deal.
The government prioritizes resilience of supply chains and diversification of sources. The government is deepening and broadening its existing strategic partnerships with a broad range of countries on the global stage.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of External Affairs: Indian government ministry responsible for foreign relations.
United States: Country imposing tariffs, trade restrictions, or import duties on Indian goods, thereby affecting India's economic and strategic interests.
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): Existing agreements which India is trying to improve utilization of, and advance new negotiations on.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2430
ANSWERED ON 13/02/2026
ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC INTERESTS OF INDIA
2430. MS. S JOTHIMANI
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) the details and potential diplomatic or strategic implications of
the recent or proposed tariffs, trade restrictions or import duties
imposed by the United States on Indian goods;
(b) the diplomatic steps and bilateral engagements undertaken by
the Government of India, including discussions in international
forums, to address or mitigate these measures; and
(c) the strategy adopted by the Government to protect India’s
economic and strategic interests?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
1(a to c) On 2nd February 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation to discuss
bilateral and other international issues. Subsequent to this call,
President Trump announced that the tariffs applicable to India stood
reduced to 18%.
During the period leading up to this announcement, Government
remained in close consultation with Indian exporters and industry
and took action to provide targeted support to them. Efforts were
also made to improve the utilization of existing Free Trade
Agreements (FTAs) and to advance negotiations on new trade
agreements. Intense discussions also continued with the US side for
the conclusion of a balanced and mutually beneficial trade deal.
Government continues to prioritize resilience of supply chains and
diversification of sources as key elements of any strategy to
preserve the country’s economic security. In addition, it also
continues to deepen and broaden its existing strategic partnerships
with a broad range of countries on the global stage.
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