India-US Trade Deal: Final Offer Made, US Decision Pending

• India-US trade deal talks are in the final stage after 6 rounds, with decisions now at the Commerce Secretary/Minister level.
• India has submitted its final offer, willing to remove retaliatory tariffs on items like almonds, apples, and luxury motorcycles.
• India's key demand is for the US to remove the extra 25% penalty on Russian oil, which currently makes business difficult for exporters.
• An interim deal is possible if a full Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) takes longer, potentially focusing on reciprocal tariffs.
• India and Mexico are discussing a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) as a practical option, with Joint Secretary level meetings already held.

Why It Matters: India-US trade deal progress could lead to cheaper goods and new market opportunities.