3 Things US negotiators in India, Uttarakhand cloudburst, and PM Modi's 75th birthday
Sep 18, 2025
Ravi Dutta Misra, a journalist from The Indian Express, discusses the pivotal trade negotiations between India and the US, focusing on tariffs and their impact on exporters. Anjali Marar, a climate reporter, sheds light on the devastating cloudbursts in Uttarakhand, explaining their causes and the heightened risks of landslides in the Himalayas due to climate change. Additionally, they reflect on Prime Minister Modi's recent speech celebrating his 75th birthday and his call for a stronger 'Made in India' initiative.
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Tariffs Are A Negotiation Tactic
- The US imposed 25% additional reciprocal tariffs on India as leverage over its Russian oil purchases.
- Negotiators visiting India suggest a breakthrough may still be possible despite tough optics.
Boost US Energy Purchases As Leverage
- India could increase energy imports from the US to ease tensions without fully stopping Russian oil purchases.
- A practical workaround is buying more US energy while continuing cheaper Russian supplies.
Agriculture Is The Hard Part
- Agricultural goods, especially corn, are the main stumbling block in US-India talks because the US wants market access.
- India may allow corn imports for animal feed as a compromise while protecting human-food GM rules.