In a move reflecting geopolitical caution, India and the United States have pushed back talks on a pivotal interim trade pact. The rescheduling follows seismic events in Washington: a Supreme Court smackdown of President Trump’s tariffs and his immediate escalation in response.
The three-day parley, led by chief trade negotiators and set for February 23 in America, is now on hold. Sources close to the matter reveal both sides want to digest the Supreme Court’s Friday ruling first. By a 6-3 margin, it deemed Trump’s use of IEEPA powers to impose massive import duties an abuse of authority, invalidating several—but not all—of his measures.
Saturday brought Trump’s riposte. On his platform Truth Social, he hiked global tariffs to 15% from 10%, railing against nations ‘looting America for decades.’ He positioned the increase as fully approved and legally vetted, signaling no retreat from his protectionist agenda.
Indian authorities echoed the need for reflection. ‘The Washington visit by our team is deferred,’ a senior bureaucrat affirmed. Priority goes to scrutinizing the judicial outcome and tariff revisions before finalizing the deal. A fresh schedule will align with both parties’ convenience.
Amid these twists, the interim agreement—meant to bridge gaps in broader trade ambitions—faces headwinds. Trump’s vocal frustration during state leader huddles underscores internal US divides that could prolong uncertainties. For global markets, this pause is a reminder of how one nation’s legal battles can reshape bilateral futures.