India and the United States are on the verge of finalizing a "mini trade deal," with expectations of an announcement soon. This development comes amidst ongoing efforts to strengthen trade relations between the two countries and avoid reciprocal tariffs.
The proposed agreement aims to address some of the trade imbalances and market access issues that have been points of contention. While sensitive sectors like dairy and agriculture are expected to be excluded from this initial agreement, the deal is expected to focus on trade in goods.
India has been seeking tariff reductions and greater access to the American market for its labor-intensive sectors, such as textiles and electronics. Meanwhile, the U.S. has been pushing for broader market access across various industries.
According to reports, India has presented a final offer covering goods trade worth around $150 billion to $200 billion between the two countries. It is now up to U.S. officials to review the proposal and decide whether to move forward with the deal as it stands.
The U.S. President Donald Trump has said that the United States is close to finalizing a trade deal with India. He mentioned that deals have already been made with the United Kingdom and China, and India could be next.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has found himself in the midst of a political controversy after mispronouncing the names of President Droupadi Murmu and former President Ram Nath Kovind during a public address in Chhattisgarh.
Speaking at a gathering in Raipur, Kharge referred to President Murmu as "Murma ji" and mispronounced "Kovind" as "Covid". Although he quickly corrected himself, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seized on the slip-ups, accusing Kharge of insulting the President and her predecessor.
The BJP has demanded a public apology from Kharge and the Congress party, alleging that his remarks reflect an "anti-Dalit, anti-Adivasi and anti-Constitution" mindset. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia stated that Kharge used "objectionable words" for the President and former President, further intensifying the political storm.
In response, Congress leader Pawan Khera accused the BJP of "hypocrisy" and "exploiting the land and resources" of the tribal population, dismissing the allegations as a reflection of the BJP's "regressive mindset".
