US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Friday that President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade diplomacy is opening India’s vast market to American products by significantly lowering tariffs on US industrial and agricultural goods.

Greer’s remarks came after the White House issued a joint statement outlining a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement between the United States and India based on reciprocity and mutual benefit.

He described the development as a major win for American workers and businesses. “President Trump’s dealmaking is unlocking one of the largest economies in the world for American producers, reducing tariffs across all US industrial goods and a wide range of agricultural products,” Greer said.

He further noted that the agreement reflects deepening economic ties between the two nations while creating new opportunities for farmers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs on both sides.

Greer also acknowledged the role of India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in advancing negotiations, calling the process “constructive, balanced, and forward-looking.”

The framework reaffirms both countries’ commitment to a broader US–India Bilateral Trade Agreement, talks for which were launched by Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025. Officials said the interim pact is designed to deliver early results while strengthening resilient supply chains.

The joint statement described the agreement as a “historic milestone” in US–India relations, built on reciprocal and balanced trade.

Under the framework, India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and cut duties on several agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum, tree nuts, fruits, soybean oil, wine, and spirits.

In return, the US will impose an 18 per cent tariff on selected Indian goods such as textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, plastics, organic chemicals, home décor, artisanal items, and certain machinery under an executive order targeting trade deficits.

If the interim deal is finalised, Washington has pledged to remove reciprocal tariffs on several Indian products, including generic medicines, gems and diamonds, and aircraft components. The US will also lift tariffs on certain Indian aircraft parts imposed earlier under national security measures.

India will receive a preferential tariff quota for automotive parts and negotiated outcomes on pharmaceuticals, subject to a US Section 232 review.

Beyond tariffs, both sides committed to reducing non-tariff barriers. India agreed to ease restrictions on US medical devices, scrap restrictive ICT licensing rules, review technical standards within six months, and improve access for American farm goods.

The framework also includes cooperation on digital trade, supply chain security, investment screening, and export controls. India has indicated plans to purchase $500 billion worth of US goods over five years, including energy, aircraft, technology products, and coking coal.

Both governments said they will move swiftly to implement the framework and work toward concluding a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement.