India has said it remains actively engaged with the United States regarding the ongoing Section 301 proceedings, even as the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed additional tariffs on imports from 60 economies, including India.
The proposed action follows investigations conducted by the USTR into measures adopted by various countries to restrict imports of goods. While additional tariffs have been proposed under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, the measures are not yet final. Products already covered under Section 232 tariffs, along with certain other categories, have been excluded from the proposal. The USTR has also suggested a special mechanism for textile and apparel imports that could allow limited quantities from selected countries to enter the U.S. at lower tariff rates.
Stakeholders have been invited to participate in the consultation process, with requests for public hearing participation due by June 22, 2026, and written submissions accepted until July 6, 2026. Public hearings are scheduled for July 7, 2026, after which the USTR will review the feedback before making a final decision.
India stated that it is engaging with the U.S. as part of the Section 301 process while simultaneously continuing discussions aimed at finalizing a bilateral trade framework agreement. The negotiations are being carried out in line with the understanding announced on February 2, 2026, and the joint statement released by the two countries on February 7, 2026.
The development is being closely watched by exporters and industry participants, as any final tariff decision could have implications for trade flows between India and the United States.