India-US Relations: Javed Ashraf, Amitabh Kant, and Raj Chengappa Debate Trade and Trump's Policies
Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, ITPO Chairman Javed Ashraf, India Today Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa, and former US trade official Mark Linscott analyze India-US relations, trade negotiations, and global energy dynamics on India Today with Rajdeep Sardesai. The panel examines bilateral agreements, Section 301 tariffs, duty structures, and legislative shifts during the Donald Trump administration. Amitabh Kant outlines why India must exercise strategic patience, assess trade policy consistency, and monitor developments past US midterm elections before formalizing pacts. Javed Ashraf addresses structural changes in Washington, highlighting the asymmetry of stakes, the necessity of sunset clauses, and non-discriminatory tariffs. The experts evaluate energy security developments, including the 60-day Lindsay Graham waiver on Russian oil purchases, Venezuelan crude imports, and Marco Rubio's visit to Reliance's Jamnagar refinery. The discussion also details diplomatic challenges surrounding H-1B visas, defense cooperation, and transactional trade policies impacting bilateral ties between New Delhi and Washington.