India, Feb. 3 -- On Monday night, US President Donald Trump announced that he was slashing US tariffs on India from 50% to 18%. Trump's announcement was followed by PM Narendra Modi's acknowledgement of Trump's gesture and reiterating his commitment to a mutually beneficial Indo-US relationship. This marks a welcome thaw in the Indo-US trade impasse. Things had only gone south with Trump first imposing a 25% tariff in August, and then, topping it with an additional 25%. This was followed by several provocative statements from various members of the Trump administration. Good sense has prevailed and it should help both the countries. Markets have cheered the deal, as expected.

To be sure, there are still things in the realm of the unknown...