India, Aug. 6 -- At the moment, India's trade relations with the US appear to be precariously poised. There is much ado over Washington imposing higher tariff on Indian goods compared to its South Asian neighbours. The possible reasons arise from strategic and geopolitical considerations, apart from trade and economy. India-US goods trade totalled roughly $130 billion last year, with India running a surplus of almost $46 billion. In comparison, Pakistan-US trade volumes stood under $6 billion, with a more balanced two-way flow. With Sri Lanka, US trade was an estimated $3.4 billion in 2024, while with Bangladesh the amount was about $10.6 billion.

Hence, while bilateral trade negotiations are on between New Delhi and Washington, a higher...