India and the US Rewire Trade in the Indo-Pacific

Summary

The episode examines the interim U.S.-India trade deal announced in February 2026, which cuts U.S. tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18% and obliges India to cease Russian oil imports in favor of U.S. energy supplies. It traces the deal’s origins in the tariff wars of the Trump administration, highlighting how punitive duties crippled Indian exports and spurred a diplomatic reset. The conversation also explores the broader Indo‑Pacific strategic dimension, noting how the agreement dovetails with U.S. and Indian efforts to counter China, diversify supply chains, and coordinate export controls. Guest analyst Dr. Ananya Rao, a senior fellow on South Asian trade policy, explains the economic impact for Indian exporters and the geopolitical calculus behind the tariff truce.