India-US trade deal slashes tariffs, boosts exports and market sentiment

The United States and India announced a landmark trade deal that cuts U.S. tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, in a move expected to significantly boost Indian exports and improve market sentiment. 

Under the agreement, India will increase purchases of U.S. energy, coal, technology, defence equipment, electronics, pharmaceuticals, telecom products, and aircraft.

American agriculture is also set to benefit, with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins noting the pact will boost farm exports to India, raising prices and “pumping cash into rural America.” In 2024, the U.S. had an agricultural trade deficit of $1.3 billion with India.

While President Trump mentioned tariff cuts to zero, specific products and timelines remain unclear, similar to India’s trade deals with the EU and UK. Analysts note that U.S. Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminium, copper, automobiles, and auto parts are likely to remain, meaning some Indian exports will still face higher levies.

Indian Exporters Set to Gain

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) welcomed the deal, stating the tariff cut will boost sectors such as textiles, apparel, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, footwear, jewellery, and food items like shrimp, bringing Indian exporters closer to regional peers like Vietnam and Bangladesh.

Despite earlier U.S. tariff hikes affecting sectors like textiles and jewellery, overall exports to the U.S. rose 15.9% year-on-year in January–November 2025 to $85.5 billion, while imports stood at $46.1 billion. Total bilateral trade in goods and services reached $212.3 billion, with a U.S. goods trade deficit of $45.8 billion.

Market Response

The trade deal also positively impacted investor sentiment. The rupee surged over 1% on Tuesday, the Nifty 50 stock index gained around 3% after touching a 5% jump, and the 10-year bond yield fell by approximately 5 basis points. Analysts said the pact could support exports, capital inflows, and the rupee, although a complete halt to Russian oil imports may take time to implement.

India has already begun reducing Russian oil purchases, diversifying supplies toward the U.S., Middle East, Africa, and South America, but refiners will require a wind-down period to exit existing contracts.

This first-phase agreement lays the foundation for broader trade talks between the two nations, signaling a potential strengthening of economic ties in the years ahead.