US-India trade talks stall over tariffs, energy, and Pakistan ties

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India next week to bolster ties, but a long-awaited US-India trade deal remains stalled due to tariff disputes, energy import friction, and Washington's warmer relations with Pakistan. The February framework proposed lowering US reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 18% in exchange for Indian concessions, but court challenges undermined the tariff basis, creating legal uncertainty. India also fears new US measures, including potential tariffs on nations buying Russian oil, though Trump waived those sanctions on Friday. Negotiations have hit a "plateau," with India's finance minister citing little room for further concessions. Agriculture access and US energy purchases remain sticking points, while India insists on tariff parity with rivals like Vietnam. Indian exports to the US rose 21% in August, but renewed tariffs could hurt growth and the rupee.