India, Feb. 8 -- The United States has formally recast its trade relationship with India by linking tariff relief and market access to New Delhi's alignment with US national security objectives, energy sourcing decisions and long-term purchasing commitments, marking a decisive shift from conventional trade diplomacy to a conditional and enforcement-backed framework.

In a joint statement issued on Friday night/Saturday early morning (India time), the two countries announced a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement that will anchor negotiations towards a full Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Hours later, US President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order rescinding a 25% punitive tariff imposed on Indian goods in 2025 after Washingto...