The United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer has termed India’s approach in trade negotiations with the US as pragmatic and said the two sides are trying to negotiate a deal. During a fireside chat at the Economic Club of New York, Greer spoke about the continuing negotiations with India. Greer also spoke about additional 25 per cent tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil, arguing that the US is not trying to dictate terms to a sovereign nation. Greer also believed that New Delhi understands the US objective of ending the war in Ukraine and is already diversifying its energy needs.

He also highlighted that India is not alone in buying Russian oil, and the Trump administration has pressed the Europeans and the Chinese to halt their purchase.

The statement comes days after Greer met Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New York on September 22. The meeting focused on addressing key sticking points as both sides remain hopeful of reaching an interim understanding soon. A statement by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry also said that the Indian delegation had constructive meetings with the US government on various aspects of the deal.