India Delays U.S. Trade Talks After Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs

India has delayed a scheduled visit by its trade delegation to the United States amid uncertainty surrounding recent changes in U.S. tariff policy. The delegation was expected to travel this week for talks aimed at finalising an interim bilateral trade agreement.

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Officials said the decision to defer the visit was taken after consultations between both governments. No new date has been fixed so far, as authorities assess the evolving legal and policy landscape in the United States.

Supreme Court Ruling Adds Policy Uncertainty

The delay follows a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court striking down broad reciprocal tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. The court held that the executive branch exceeded its authority by invoking emergency powers to impose sweeping import duties.

Subsequently, the U.S. administration announced a temporary global tariff of 15%, the highest level permitted under existing law, on imports from all countries. The move has added uncertainty around trade negotiations already under way with several partners.

Interim Trade Deal Put On Hold

The Indian delegation was expected to finalise an interim trade framework under which U.S. tariffs of 25% on select Indian exports, linked to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil, would be reduced to 18%.

In return, India had committed to expanding purchases of U.S. goods worth approximately $500 billion over five years. These included energy supplies, aircraft and parts, precious metals and technology products. 
India’s trade ministry said it is examining the implications of the Supreme Court ruling along with subsequent tariff announcements before proceeding further.

Domestic Political Response

The opposition Congress party has urged the government to pause the interim agreement and revisit its terms, questioning the timing of the joint statement issued ahead of the court’s verdict.

Trade officials had earlier indicated that the interim pact could come into effect in April, subject to resolution of pending issues during the Washington visit. Authorities now say discussions will resume once both sides complete their assessment of the legal and policy developments in the United States.