New Delhi, July 7 -- As India and the US prepare to seal a deal aimed at boosting bilateral trade, New Delhi is aiming for a balanced outcome while Washington is focused on securing deeper market access for its goods.

Though India has drawn red lines around its sensitive sectors-agriculture, dairy, and genetically modified (GM) food-the US continues to push for significant concessions. It has signalled a potential 6% duty relief from the 16% reciprocal tariff hike announced on 2 April, which remains on hold until 9 July.

However, three people familiar with the matter said that even if partial relief is granted, the baseline 10% tariff will continue, and an additional 10% duty-carved out from the original 16%-could still be imposed if In...