Washington, February 8: The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has welcomed the interim trade partnership established between India and the United States. The USISPF expressed support for the executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which will eliminate an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods starting February 7, 2026.
In a statement, the USISPF said, “We also welcome the joint statement issued by the U.S. and India, which outlines a framework for an interim agreement that is mutually beneficial. This confirms the shared commitment of President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to advance negotiations towards a significant U.S.-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The interim agreement marks a crucial milestone, indicating a clear political intent from both sides to achieve balanced and substantial outcomes, thereby deepening the bilateral economic partnership.”
The statement further highlighted that the framework includes essential steps to enhance market access, reduce tariffs, and eliminate long-standing non-tariff barriers. Additionally, it aims to strengthen cooperation in key sectors such as industrial goods, agriculture, energy, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, technology, and digital trade.
The USISPF noted that commitments to improve regulatory transparency, harmonize standards and conformity assessment processes, and enhance supply chain resilience reflect a practical and forward-thinking approach to trade policy. Collectively, these measures lay the foundation for sustained economic engagement for businesses operating in both markets.
The USISPF views these announcements as a strong and timely signal of India’s role as a strategic and economic partner, providing immediate clarity and relief for businesses operating within the trade corridor between the two countries. As this process unfolds and new opportunities arise, we look forward to supporting ongoing engagement between government and industry.