New Delhi: India has agreed to grant duty concessions on selected American products, including alcoholic beverages, cosmetics and medical devices, as part of the interim trade framework finalised with the United States.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the concessions are aimed at easing trade tensions and improving market access while safeguarding Indiaās sensitive sectors. He clarified that the government has taken a calibrated approach to tariff reductions, ensuring that domestic farmers and small producers are not adversely affected.
According to officials, import duties on US alcoholic beverages such as wine and spirits will be reduced to make them more competitively priced in the Indian market. Tariffs on cosmetics and certain medical devices will also be eased, a move expected to benefit hospitals, healthcare providers and consumers by improving availability and lowering costs.
The concessions form part of an interim trade framework agreed by India and the United States earlier this week. The framework follows months of negotiations after trade ties were strained by high tariffs imposed in 2025. Under the new understanding, the United States has agreed to lower tariffs on Indian exports to around 18 percent and has withdrawn an additional 25 percent penalty that was linked to Indiaās purchase of Russian oil.
Indian officials said the deal will help exporters in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods and technology services regain competitiveness in the US market. At the same time, India has drawn clear red lines by keeping sensitive agricultural and dairy products such as rice, wheat, milk and poultry outside the scope of tariff concessions.
The trade framework was discussed during high level engagements involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, signalling strong political backing on both sides to reset economic relations.
As part of the broader understanding, India is also expected to increase purchases of US goods over the coming years, including energy products, aircraft components and technology related equipment. Officials believe this will help narrow the trade imbalance and deepen long term economic cooperation.
Negotiations are continuing on a comprehensive trade agreement, which both sides hope to finalise in the coming weeks. Until then, the interim framework will guide tariff changes and trade flows between the two countries, offering relief to businesses affected by last yearās trade dispute.