Tariffs, Not Modi-Trump Talks, Block India-US Trade Deal: Former USTR Official

• Former Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott states unresolved tariff issues, not lack of Modi-Trump calls, are holding up the India-US trade deal.
• Linscott refutes US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's claim that the deal failed due to Modi not calling Trump, calling the focus misplaced.
• The main hurdle is determining reciprocal tariff rates, with India seeking clarity on levels similar to those granted to the European Union.
• Former Indian Ambassador Arun Singh and expert Abhijit Das highlight US domestic political optics and ever-increasing demands as key obstacles.
• Despite pessimism from Indian experts, Linscott remains optimistic, believing a deal can be reached soon if tariff issues are resolved.

Why It Matters: Unresolved tariffs and US domestic politics, not leader communication, are stalling the India-US trade deal.