Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said India-US trade negotiations are at a plateau. She made the remark in public comments this week.

The talks come amid heavy US tariffs on Indian goods. The United States currently applies a total 50% tariff rate on many Indian products.

That includes a 25% reciprocal tariff and an additional 25% linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil. The combined rate has hit exporters hard.

Sitharaman’s comment suggests little near-term movement. Both sides have held multiple rounds of talks without a breakthrough.

Indian industry is watching closely. A deal could ease tariff pressure and open new trade channels. For now, exporters must plan around the existing duties.

The 50% tariff burden is among the highest faced by any US trade partner. Indian exporters of textiles, gems and engineering goods are feeling the pinch. Industry bodies have sought government support to absorb the hit. Some firms are looking at alternative markets in Europe and the Gulf. Talks have covered market access and non-tariff barriers. A breakthrough would need political will on both sides.