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Despite Reset in India–US Relations, New Delhi Retains Commitment to Strategic Hedging

India and the United States announced a trade deal that lowers Indian export tariffs from 25% to 18% and removes the extra 25% levy on Russian crude. In return, New Delhi has pledged to buy $500 billion worth of U.S. goods, services and technology over the next five years. While the agreement signals a partial reset in bilateral ties, ambiguities remain around India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and the political sensitivity of agricultural market access. The move reflects Delhi’s broader strategy of strategic hedging and diversification.