INDIA PERSPECTIVE

New Delhi deploys an accelerated negotiation strategy. The Deccan Chronicle opens on June 3: 'India-US Trade Talks Intensify Amid Fresh Tariff Threat'. The USTR has proposed a 12.5% surcharge on India and 53 other countries — and simultaneously, bilateral trade talks in New Delhi to finalize the first tranche of the agreement are intensifying. The Indian government hammers a strategic line: 'An interim India-US trade deal could ease tariff tensions, but New Delhi will not sacrifice long-term strategic interests for short-term gains.' US Ambassador Sergio Gor publicly says both sides are trying to resolve the remaining '1 per cent' sticking points and expect to sign the pact 'in the next several weeks'. The Hindu Business Line pushes the precision: the US strategy is to propose a locked-in 18% rate that would shield New Delhi from higher Section 301 tariffs. Asian competitors (Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia) have lower rates of 10% — pressure on New Delhi to accept quickly. NDTV documents the political angle: 'Failed To Act On Forced Labour: US Plans New Tariffs On India'. A second Section 301 investigation on 'excess industrial capacity' is also expected, which could add further sanctions. The Express Tribune (Pakistan) reports that India is among the 60 targets and that the procedure threatens to complicate the ongoing talks. The Commerce Ministry confirms: 'India remains engaged with the United States on the matter as part of Section 301 proceedings'. The Indian perspective is pragmatic — no public condemnation, maximum pressure to negotiate quickly.