Parliament Question: India-U.S. Tariff Issue

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5525 ANSWERED ON- 27/03/2026 INDIA-U.S. TARIFF ISSUE 5525. THIRU DAYANIDHI MARAN Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has taken note of the U.S. President's public statement that "India will be paying tariffs and the U.S. will not" and whether this reflects the actual negotiated position of India, if so, the details thereof; b) the full text and tariff schedule of the February 2 India-U.S. trade agreement including sector-wise impact and reciprocal concessions secured by India; c) the steps have been taken to legally safeguard India's exports, given the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling against "reciprocal tariffs" and the subsequent imposition of alternative tariffs under Section 122; 1d) whether India has formally protested statements linking tariffs to India's sovereign energy purchases and regional security matters including claims regarding mediation in India-Pakistan issues, if so, the details thereof; and e) whether any contingency plan exists to protect Indian exporters and strategic autonomy if the U.S. unilaterally alters tariff mechanisms again? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a to e) India and the United States announced a trade deal on 2nd February 2026. The Joint Statement of 7 February 2026 noted that both sides have agreed on a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement, reaffirming their commitment to ongoing negotiations towards a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The framework aims to promote reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, enhance market access, and strengthen supply chain resilience. 2Under the framework, both sides have agreed to expand preferential market access, establish rules of origin, and address non-tariff barriers, including in areas such as medical devices, ICT goods and agricultural products. It also provides for cooperation on standards, digital trade, economic security and technology, and reflects a shared commitment to deepen trade in advanced technologies. Pursuant to the U.S. Supreme Court judgment dated 20 February 2026, reciprocal tariffs are no longer in force. However, the U.S. Administration, vide a Presidential Proclamation dated 20 February 2026 under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, has imposed a temporary import surcharge of 10% ad valorem on select articles imported into the United States for a period of 150 days with effect from 24 February 2026. India remains engaged with the U.S. side on the issue. Ensuring stable energy prices and secure supplies to safeguard the interests of Indian consumers in a volatile energy scenario are key objectives of India’s energy security policy. As regards any proposal 3for third-party mediation, India’s long-standing position remains that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are addressed bilaterally. India has consistently conveyed its position to all its partners, including the United States. The Government remains in close consultation with Indian exporters and industry to assess the implications of U.S. tariff measures. As part of its contingency measures, support to exporters includes the Export Promotion Mission, trade facilitation provisions of the Reserve Bank of India, the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters, improved utilisation of existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and advancement of negotiations on new FTAs to safeguard the interests of Indian exporters. ***** 4