Washington:United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the Trump administration may consider easing tariffs on Indian goods after talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, raising hopes of progress in strained trade relations.

Rubio described the discussions as constructive and said Washington is looking for ways to resolve the tariff dispute while also calling on European nations to take stronger action on sanctions against Russia. He criticized Europe’s continued imports of Russian oil, calling them inconsistent with the sanctions regime.

India has faced a combined 50 percent tariff on certain exports after it maintained energy trade with Russia.

The additional duties have contributed to a 22 percent fall in Indian exports to the United States between May and August this year, affecting even sectors not directly targeted by the tariffs.

Indian officials have expressed cautious optimism. Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran recently suggested that Washington could scale back the additional 25 percent duty, potentially lowering overall tariff levels to 10 to 15 percent. Business groups and analysts warn, however, that prolonged tariff barriers could undermine India’s manufacturing ambitions.

In response, New Delhi has sought to support domestic consumption by cutting GST on hundreds of consumer goods while also working to diversify export markets. Meanwhile, U.S. policy changes such as the sharp hike in H-1B visa fees and the ongoing depreciation of the Indian rupee have added further pressure on bilateral ties.

While Rubio’s comments point to a softer approach, trade experts say any rollback of tariffs will depend on further negotiations and possible adjustments in India’s energy policy toward Russia. More meetings between the two sides are expected in the coming weeks.