India-US Trade Deal Boosts Cross-Border Payment Startups, Exporters Optimistic

• An India-US trade deal has generated optimism among cross-border payment startups and exporters, despite details on tariffs and implementation still pending.
• Founders like Anand Balaji of Xflow anticipate increased export-linked payment volumes and improved investor sentiment due to the deal and recent regulatory changes.
• The US will reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, aiming to deepen bilateral trade and improve market access, as announced by President Donald Trump and acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Payment companies note a widening demand beyond traditional IT services to include D2C brands, B2B manufacturers, specialized goods exporters, and SaaS firms.
• Akash Sinha of Cashfree Payments highlights opportunities for Indian SMEs in easier access, improved competitiveness, and new revenue streams in the US market, with fintech firms like Razorpay and Cashfree Payments scaling up cross-border operations.