“Best Offers Ever Received” US Official Praises India’s Unprecedented Proposals in Ongoing Trade Talks

 US–India trade negotiations intensify as New Delhi presents unusually forward-leaning market access offers across agriculture, aviation, energy, and critical industries

In one of the strongest acknowledgements yet of India’s shifting global trade posture, US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer told American lawmakers that New Delhi has put forward “the best offers we’ve ever received as a country” during ongoing negotiations aimed at expanding agricultural and industrial market access for American exporters.

Speaking before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday, Greer confirmed that a specialised USTR delegation was “in New Delhi, as we speak,” working through long-standing trade hurdles—especially in India’s tightly regulated agricultural sector.

“Best offers ever received”: US official praises India’s unprecedented market-access proposals as trade negotiations accelerate. Washington sees Delhi as a major alternative to China amid global realignments.

India’s Most Generous Proposals Yet, Says US Official

Greer emphasised that India’s latest proposals show an “unusually forward-leaning” attitude, particularly regarding American exports such as grain sorghum, soy, ethanol by-products, and energy products.

Despite India’s traditionally strong resistance to opening up its markets for certain row crops, the USTR said New Delhi has “broken old patterns,” offering concessions the US has pursued for nearly two decades.

The US now sees India as a viable alternate market at a time when American farmers face mounting inventories and shifting demand from China.

“We have to find a way to manage that trade. India represents a promising but historically difficult market to crack,” Greer noted.

Global Realignment Strengthens US-India Trade Dialogue

The discussions come at a time when Washington is pursuing a strategic diversification of export destinations to reduce its reliance on China and counter global supply-chain vulnerabilities.

Greer explained that the US is simultaneously opening markets in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America, which strengthens its negotiating leverage with major partners like India.

“We’re breaking the mold of conventional wisdom in Washington. These new openings give us the leverage we need with countries like India.”

Pressure From American Farmers

Committee Chair Jerry Moran raised concerns about US farmers especially in states like Kansas who are grappling with surplus grain, falling prices, and shrinking export options due to volatile Chinese demand.

Moran repeatedly described India as “a very difficult country to crack,” seeking clarity on whether diversification efforts were succeeding.

Greer responded that diplomatic engagement with India was far deeper than in previous administrations and that India was now more receptive than ever.

Aviation, Pharmaceuticals, and Energy Also on the Table

Beyond agriculture, several high-impact sectors are part of the negotiations:

1. Civil Aviation

Talks are reportedly “well advanced” on whether India will extend zero-tariff benefits for American aviation components under the 1979 Aircraft Agreement.

2. Pharmaceuticals

Regulatory alignment, including FDA acceptance pathways, is being explored to boost US access to India’s pharmaceutical market one of the world’s largest.

3. Energy

Congress discussed India’s potential as a major buyer of:

• US corn-based ethanol

• Soy-based biofuels

• American LNG and energy products

Greer highlighted that other countries, including the EU, have already committed to purchasing $750 billion worth of US energy products, signalling vast opportunities for India as well.

Tariffs and Enforcement: US Strategy Remains Aggressive

Repeatedly, Greer defended Washington’s stance of using tariff pressure and enforcement to drive negotiation results.

“They respond to enforcement. That’s how we generate compliance and market opening.”

This reflects a broader US trade doctrine under which assertive measures—rather than traditional diplomacy are seen as more effective in securing concessions.

India–US Trade Ties Stronger Than Ever

Over the past decade, bilateral trade between India and the US has expanded significantly, with both nations actively negotiating in multiple areas:

• Agriculture

• Digital services & data governance

• Aviation & aerospace

• Pharmaceuticals

• Critical minerals & clean energy

• Semiconductor supply chains

The partnership has been further strengthened through:

• US–India Strategic Trade Dialogue

• Indo-Pacific Economic initiatives

• Cooperation in critical and emerging technologies

India remains one of the fastest-growing export destinations for the US, though agriculture continues to face tariff and sanitary barriers.