On the very day the additional 25% tariff came into effect, US Treasury Secretary Scott struck a conciliatory note, expressing optimism about the future of trade ties with India.
“At the end of the day, I think we will come together with India,” Scott said, referring to the ongoing disputes over metallics and oil trade. His remarks come at a critical juncture when New Delhi and Washington are locked in negotiations to address tariff escalations and long-standing trade frictions.
The imposition of the fresh levy has heightened concerns across industries, particularly in sectors tied to steel, aluminum, and petroleum. Analysts suggest that the Treasury Secretary’s statement signals a willingness on the part of the US administration to explore compromise and recalibrate the hardline approach that has so far characterized bilateral trade dynamics.
Diplomatic observers note that Washington’s latest messaging appears intended to reassure both domestic stakeholders and international partners that negotiations with India are moving towards a constructive phase. Whether this softening of tone translates into substantive progress at the bargaining table, however, remains to be seen.
For India, the immediate question is whether the US will show flexibility on tariff rollbacks and energy supply arrangements — two areas that have consistently posed challenges in trade talks. If both sides can build on this new tone of cooperation, experts believe it may pave the way for a broader reset in India-US economic relations.
