President Donald Trump’s threat to impose new tariffs on India over its participation in the BRICS forum puts New Delhi in a tough position as it races to finalize a favorable trade deal with the US.

GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava said that both the EU and Mexico are major trade partners of the US, and Washington can impose tariffs on them to pressure them into quick deals, India cannot expect a balanced deal.

India may secure a strategic edge over regional rivals as the Trump administration considers a trade pact slashing proposed tariffs below 20 per cent. Unlike many nations facing sharp hikes, India is unlikely to receive a formal tariff notice ahead of the August 1 deadline.