Trade Deal Standoff: Why India Was Ready to Wait Out US Term Till 2029
New Delhi: India maintained a firm and measured position during negotiations on the landmark India–United States trade agreement, making it clear that it was prepared to wait until the end of the current U.S. presidential term in 2029 rather than accept unfavourable conditions, according to media reports citing senior diplomatic sources.
A report by Bloomberg revealed that Indian negotiators, led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, told U.S. lawmakers that New Delhi would not be pressured into a deal that compromised national interests. The message, sources said, was that India values sovereign decision-making and balanced outcomes over rushed agreements.
Trump’s Early Claim Triggers Controversy
The deal entered public debate after U.S. President Donald Trump announced it this week as a major win for American trade interests. However, Indian officials and analysts noted that the declaration came before key technical and legal details were finalised. This has sparked criticism at home, with concerns that India may have been portrayed as a passive party in the public narrative.
Negotiations between the two countries began in February 2025, with India consistently drawing red lines around sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told Parliament that the agreement safeguards national interests and assured lawmakers that a joint statement with full details would be released soon.
Opposition and Farmers Demand Transparency
The government’s handling of the deal has faced sharp resistance from opposition parties and farmers’ organisations. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) warned that tariff-free access for U.S. farm products could severely damage India’s agricultural economy. It also accused the government of withholding crucial information from Parliament.
Leaders from the Indian National Congress and several farm unions echoed these concerns, calling for the complete text of the negotiations to be presented to lawmakers and insisting that citizens have a right to know the full terms of the pact.
Strategic Patience in Global Trade
Analysts say India’s readiness to delay the agreement reflects a broader strategy of patience and leverage in global trade diplomacy. By avoiding last-minute compromises and keeping alternative partnerships — including ongoing talks with the European Union — on the table, New Delhi has signalled that it prefers long-term balance over short-term pressure.
As both sides move toward finalising the deal, India’s assertive posture is being viewed domestically as a statement that the country will protect its economic and political interests, even when negotiating with major global powers.
