‘Won’t Make China-Like Mistake’: US Official Stresses ‘America First’ In India Trade Deal

Last Updated:March 06, 2026, 10:43 IST

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated that the US will prioritise national interests in the trade deal with India.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has said that Washington will prioritise its national interests in the proposed trade deal with India and avoid repeating the mistakes it believes it made with China two decades ago.

While speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on Thursday, Landau stressed that Washington’s approach to economic engagement with India would be guided by the “America First" principle while still aiming for a mutually beneficial partnership. He said that the US had learned lessons from its economic engagement with China and would approach trade with India differently.

“India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago… Then the next thing we know, you are beating us in many commercial things…" he said as quoted by news agency ANI.

The US Official further asserted that Washington would ensure any trade arrangement remains fair to American citizens.

“We are going to make sure that whatever we do is fair to our people because ultimately, we have to be accountable to our own people just as the government of India has to be accountable to its people…" he added.

At the same time, Landau clarified that “America First does not mean America alone," noting that cooperation with partners like India is essential to achieving economic and strategic goals.

The senior US Official said the bilateral trade deal currently under negotiation between Washington and New Delhi was “almost at the finish line" and could unlock significant economic opportunities for both countries.

Landau also highlighted India’s growing global importance, saying the 21st century is likely to witness the country’s rise as a major economic and geopolitical force.

“One of the things that is undeniable is that this century is going to be, in many ways, a century in which we expect to see the rise of India," he said, pointing to the country’s large population and economic potential.

His remarks come as the two nations work toward a broader bilateral trade agreement aimed at expanding market access and strengthening commercial ties.

Last month, India and the United States finalised a framework for an interim trade pact. Under the arrangement, Washington reduced its reciprocal tariff rate on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent and removed a 25 per cent punitive tariff previously imposed over India’s purchase of Russian oil.

(With inputs from agencies)

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