India-US Trade Negotiations: America Demands Level Playing Field for Amazon & Walmart.
The United States is preparing to ask India for better market access for American retail giants Amazon and Walmart during ongoing trade talks, according to a Financial Times report. This push comes as India’s ecommerce sector grows rapidly, currently valued at $125 billion.
The Trump administration has been advocating for a “level playing field” for US companies in India’s digital marketplace. This development follows a temporary 90-day pause on retaliatory tariffs that included 26% duties on various Indian imports.
Key discussion points include:
- Reducing operational restrictions on foreign ecommerce firms
- Addressing India’s current FDI limitations in digital retail
- Creating equal opportunities for international and domestic players
American negotiators argue that current Indian policies favor local businesses, particularly through:
✓ Foreign investment restrictions
✓ Platform ownership rules
✓ Marketplace operation limitations
The talks highlight growing tensions in digital trade between the two nations, even as they seek stronger economic ties. Industry analysts suggest these negotiations could reshape how global ecommerce operates in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.