U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on December 10 that India remains a “challenging partner” in ongoing trade negotiations, even as Washington receives some of the “strongest proposals” New Delhi has offered to date.
Greer made the remarks during a discussion on expanding American export destinations, with a focus on agricultural commodities.
According to Greer, a US delegation is currently in New Delhi to negotiate market-access issues. “Our negotiators are on the ground right now. India still shows reluctance regarding certain row crops, meats, and other agricultural items,” he said, adding that the Indian market has historically been “difficult to penetrate.”
Greer further said that India remains a “tough nut to crack” in trade negotiations, but that Washington has received the “best offer ever” from New Delhi so far.
“They have been very difficult nut to crack…but they have been quite forward leaning….the type of offers that they have been talking to us about …have been the best, we have ever received as a country, so I think that is a viable alternative market,” he said.
Despite the friction, Greer acknowledged a notable shift in India’s engagement. “They’ve been surprisingly proactive. The proposals we’re hearing are stronger than anything we’ve previously seen,” he said, calling India an increasingly attractive market as the US looks to broaden its export portfolio. He also highlighted that several countries, such as Cambodia, have already eased barriers for US goods, and rising global demand for biofuels, including soybean-based products, is opening new avenues for exporters. Greer stressed that Washington aims to diversify by engaging with “every country and every opportunity.”
Greer also stressed the continued relevance of trade ties with China. “There’s mutual need — they rely on our products, and we want continued access to their market,” he said.
Meanwhile, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker met with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in New Delhi as part of her five-day visit. Hooker said the talks focused on implementing the strategic and economic roadmap set by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their February meeting. She described the discussions as aimed at turning their shared vision into “practical steps that strengthen U.S. security, economic competitiveness, and support India’s long-term priorities.”
Greer also highlighted that countries such as Cambodia have already eased barriers for US goods, and pointed to growing global demand for biofuels, including soybean-based products, as a major opportunity. Washington’s goal, he emphasised, is to expand trade ties broadly: “Every country and every opportunity.”
