Non-tariff barriers are biggest hurdle in India-China trade, says Nirmala Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman identified non-tariff barriers as the primary obstacle to India-China trade, while simultaneously expressing optimism regarding a pending trade agreement with the United States. Meanwhile, India's trade deficit with China has surpassed $100 billion in 2026.
Why it matters
The report underscores India's complex balancing act in international trade, navigating a massive deficit with China while seeking to finalize a strategic economic partnership with the U.S.
Non-tariff barriers are biggest hurdle in India-China trade, says Nirmala Sitharaman left File photo of Union Finance Minister NIrmala Sitharaman. The Hindu The Hindu https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/m77xe2/article71591353.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/BVR_2263.JPG VELANKANNI RAJ B CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU, 15/09/2026: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Speaking at 36th convocation of MGR Educational and Research Institute in Chennai on Tuesday Photo: B. Velankanni Raj/ THE HINDU India-U.S. trade agreement would be concluded at the earliest, in the interest of global trade and bilateral economic ties between the two countries, says the Union Finance Minister New Delhi Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday (October 16, 2026) expressed hope that the India-U.S. trade agreement would be concluded at the earliest, in the interest of global trade and bilateral economic ties between the two countries. India, U.S. ironing out differences on trade deal; nearing 'landing point': Jaishankar storyline 1 India-U.S.
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