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India, US to increase market access, cut tariff, non-tariff barriers: Centre tells Lok Sabha

He addressed concerns raised by US President Donald Trump’s recent claims that India had agreed to significantly reduce its tariffs.

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India and the United States are gearing up to negotiate a comprehensive trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral commerce, increasing market access, reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and enhancing supply chain integration, the Centre told Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada informed the Lok Sabha that both countries are committed to negotiating a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). He emphasized that the focus will be on expanding market access, lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers, and strengthening supply chain collaboration.

The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions between the two nations to deepen economic ties. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington last month, India and the US pledged to more than double their bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. They also agreed to finalize the first phase of the BTA by the fall of 2025.

In 2023, the total bilateral trade in goods and services between India and the US stood at 190.08 billion with190.08 billion, with 123.89 billion in goods and 66.19 billion in services. India’s merchandise exports to the US were 66.19 billion in services. India’s merchandise exports to the US were 83.77 billion, while imports totaled 40.12 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of 40.12 billion resulting in a trade surplus of 43.65 billion in India’s favor. The US has consistently been India’s largest trading partner since 2021.

The US recently issued a memorandum on reciprocal trade and tariffs on February 13, directing the Commerce Secretary and the US Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate the impact of non-reciprocal trade arrangements on American interests and propose remedies. However, Prasada clarified that the US has not yet imposed reciprocal tariffs on India.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal informed a Parliamentary panel on Monday that negotiations between India and the US are ongoing, and no agreement on trade tariffs has been finalized. He addressed concerns raised by US President Donald Trump’s recent claims that India had agreed to significantly reduce its tariffs.

India’s tariff policy is designed to regulate trade, protect domestic industries, and generate revenue through import and export duties. Recent reforms have focused on simplifying the tariff structure and facilitating trade. As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), India adheres to bound tariff rates, with applied tariffs generally lower than the maximum permissible levels.

Prasada also highlighted India’s efforts to expand its trade network through Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Currently, India is part of 13 FTAs and 9 PTAs, with ongoing negotiations with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Oman.

Key Indian exports to the US in 2023-24 included engineering goods (17.62billion), electronics (17.62 billion), electronics (10 billion), gems and jewellery (9.9billion), petroleum products (9.9billion), petroleum products (5.83 billion), textiles (4.7billion), and marine products (4.7billion), and marine products (2.5 billion).

The proposed India-US trade agreement is expected to further strengthen economic ties between the two nations, fostering greater collaboration and creating new opportunities for businesses on both sides. As negotiations progress, the focus remains on achieving a balanced and mutually beneficial outcome that addresses the interests of both countries.

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Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth appointed next Army chief, to take charge on June 30

The government has appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently the Vice Chief of Army Staff, as the next Army chief. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi on June 30.

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June 13, 2026

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The Centre has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), paving the way for a leadership transition in the Indian Army later this month. Lt Gen Seth, who currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi upon the latter’s retirement on June 30, 2026.

The appointment was announced on Saturday, with the government confirming that Lt Gen Seth will assume office from the afternoon of June 30. He will take over command after General Dwivedi completes his tenure as the Army’s 30th chief.

Veteran Armoured Corps officer

An officer of the Armoured Corps, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy. Over nearly four decades of service, he has held a range of operational, command, staff and strategic appointments across the Army.

Before becoming Vice Chief on April 1, 2026, he served in several senior leadership roles, including heading the Southern Command and South Western Command. He has also commanded formations such as the Delhi Area and the XXI Corps during his military career.

Leadership transition in the Army

Lt Gen Seth’s elevation comes as the Army prepares for a change of command at the highest level. His appointment follows his move to Army Headquarters as Vice Chief earlier this year, a role he assumed on April 1.

The Ministry of Defence said the incoming Army chief brings extensive experience from command, operational and strategic assignments across diverse military domains.

With the appointment, Lt Gen Seth is set to lead the Indian Army through the next phase of its modernisation and operational preparedness efforts after taking charge at the end of the month.

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IAF AN-32 aircraft crashes while landing at Assam’s Jorhat airbase, five personnel killed

Five Indian Air Force personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry into the accident.

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June 13, 2026

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five Air Force personnel. The accident occurred during a routine sortie and triggered an emergency response at the airbase.

According to the IAF, the aircraft met with the accident during the landing phase at Jorhat. The force later confirmed the loss of five personnel and expressed condolences to their families. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Court of inquiry ordered

The Indian Air Force said a formal investigation will examine the cause of the accident. Officials have not yet disclosed what may have led to the crash, and the inquiry is expected to review technical, operational and environmental factors.

Reports indicated that the co-pilot survived the accident and is undergoing medical treatment.

Personnel who lost their lives

The IAF identified the five personnel killed in the accident as:

  • Squadron Leader Prashant Singh
  • Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar
  • Sergeant Jitendra Sharma
  • Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat
  • Agniveervayu Danish Alam

The Air Force said it stands with the bereaved families during this difficult time.

AN-32’s role in the Air Force

The AN-32 is a twin-engine transport aircraft that has been a key part of the Indian Air Force’s logistics operations for decades. It is widely used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies, particularly in remote and high-altitude regions. India remains one of the largest operators of the aircraft type.

The crash comes months after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft accident in Assam that claimed the lives of two IAF pilots.

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Delhi records coolest day of June so far as rain and thunderstorms bring relief from heat

Delhi recorded its coolest day of June after rain and thunderstorms caused a sharp drop in temperatures. IMD has forecast more showers and gusty winds before temperatures begin rising again.

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2 days ago

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June 13, 2026

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Delhi weather today

Delhi witnessed its coolest day of June so far after widespread rain and thunderstorm activity caused temperatures to drop significantly across the national capital. The change in weather provided much-needed relief from the intense summer heat that had gripped the region in recent weeks.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain and thunderstorms over the past 24 hours brought a noticeable decline in both maximum and minimum temperatures. Official weather observations showed that Delhi’s maximum temperatures fell well below normal levels, while several areas experienced strong winds and rainfall.

More rain and thunderstorms likely

The IMD has forecast additional thunderstorms, light to moderate rain and gusty winds for Delhi and nearby areas through Saturday. A yellow alert remains in place, with weather conditions expected to stay unsettled before gradually improving.

Weather experts have attributed the recent change to the influence of a western disturbance and associated weather systems affecting northwestern India. While the disturbance is gradually moving away, its impact is expected to continue for a short period.

Temperatures may rise again next week

Meteorologists expect the pleasant conditions to last for another couple of days. After that, temperatures are likely to begin rising again as rainfall activity decreases. The IMD’s latest forecast also indicates a gradual increase in temperatures by the middle of next week.

Recent weather systems have brought relief not only to Delhi but also to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other northern states, where thunderstorms and rain have helped ease heatwave conditions.

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