India, July 7 -- India and the US have resumed trade talks with the July 9 deadline on tariffs looming. Without tariff reductions by India, the US will impose additional duties (26%) on all Indian exports. One central issue remains India's triple-digit automobile tariffs, which face a 25% retaliatory duty if unchanged.

India must reduce auto tariffs. The prize isn't just avoiding Trump's retaliation. It is ending over 70 years of protectionism that has entrenched India's automobile sector in mediocrity. India's automobile tariffs are global outliers. Cars priced below $40,000 face effective tariffs of 70%. Above that price tag, effective tariff rates jump to 110%. Used cars get hit hardest at 137.5%. In contrast, China levies 15% on auto...