Lok Sabha Question No. 5525 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: India-U.S. Tariff Issue
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Thiru Dayanidhi Maran

## 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;

d) 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.

Under 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

for 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.

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