Lok Sabha Question No. 2511 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-13
Subject: India-United States Relations
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Pratima Mondal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2511 ANSWERED ON 13/02/2026 INDIA-UNITED STATES RELATIONS 2511.  SMT. PRATIMA MONDAL Will the Minister of  EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:(a) the reasons behind the apparent strain in India-United States relations, particularly the lack of  progress on trade negotiations and the continuing restrictions and uncertainty around work visas for Indian professionals; (b) the concrete diplomatic steps being taken to safeguard India's (c) the details of  tangible gains which India has delivered for the Global South in terms of  development finance, technology access of economic and people-to-people interests with the United States; and debt relief beyond summit-level declarations announcements; and

(d)   the   manner   in   which   India   is   safeguarding   its   strategic   and energy interests and the safety of  its diaspora amid escalating conflicts in West Asia?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a   to   d)   Issues   in   India-U.S.   bilateral   ties   in   recent   times   have included the imposition of  elevated tariffs by the United States on India's   exports   and   changes   implemented   by   the   US   in   its   visa regulations, which have affected students and professionals.

Notwithstanding these developments, the two sides have continued to engage and on 2 February 2026, India and the US agreed to a framework for an interim agreement, under which reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods will be reduced to 18 percent. This is expected to enhance market access for Indian exporters, particularly MSMEs, support employment generation, especially for women and youth and safeguard farmers' interests and rural livelihoods.

On the visa front, stakeholders on both sides remain engaged and representations by the Government have led to the issuance of clarificatory FAQs, providing greater light for impacted applicant categories.

India remains committed to advancing human-centric development in the Global South through concrete infrastructure and community projects,   financial   and   humanitarian   assistance,   and   capacitybuilding via scholarships and training programmes. During India's G20 Presidency, sustained efforts were made to mainstream Global South priorities, including through the Voice of  the Global South Summits. The admission of  the African Union as a permanent G20 member   reflects   India's   commitment   to   amplifying   developing country voices in global decision-making. India continues to be a large provider of  development finance to the Global South and is a model for technology deployment, including in the fintech space.

The Government continuously monitors geopolitical developments affecting India's national interests and the welfare and safety of Indian   nationals   abroad.   Missions   and   Posts   regularly   issue advisories, provide consular assistance and facilitate evacuations

where required, supported by 24×7 helplines and platforms such as MADAD, CPGRAMS and eMigrate.

Energy   security   remains   among   India's   highest   priorities.   The Government   is   pursuing   a   multi-pronged   strategy   covering diversification of  supply sources, enhanced domestic production, expansion of  alternative energy and advancement of  the energy transition,   while   remaining   engaged   with   partner   countries   to ensure uninterrupted access to affordable energy. *****