🔆 Analysis of India's import tariffs, particularly in comparison to the US and other BRICS nations, highlighting the focus on agricultural protectionism. Tariff Comparison: ✅India's Average Tariff: 17% (2023), highest among BRICS, five times higher than US (3.3%). 🔸BRICS: Brazil (11%), South Africa & China (>7%), Russia (6.6%). 🔸EU: 5%. ✅Product Coverage: Comparable number of tariff lines between India and US. Agricultural Tariffs: 🔸High Tariffs: >30% on agricultural, dairy, beverages, tobacco. 🔸Protectionism: Aims to protect domestic producers, food security, livelihoods. ✅Non-Agricultural Tariffs: <15% (2018-2023). 🔸US Subsidies: High US agricultural subsidies make tariff reduction difficult for India. Trade Dynamics: ✅India-US Trade Surplus: India's exports to US increased to >$53 billion (FY25), 18% of total exports. ✅Potential US Pressure: Reciprocal tariffs could force India to reduce agricultural tariffs. ✅Bilateral Negotiations: Agricultural tariffs likely part of India-US trade agreement talks. ✅India's Stance: Resistant to negotiating agricultural tariffs in Free Trade Agreements. Product-Wise Tariff Changes (2018-2023): 🔸Decreased: Transport equipment, cotton, textiles. 🔸Increased: Electrical machinery, leather/footwear, some manufactured goods. Possible Questions: ✅Prelims: Which of the following statements regarding India's import tariffs is/are correct? India's average import tariff is the highest among BRICS nations. Agricultural products attract significantly higher tariffs compared to non-agricultural goods. The number of products subject to tariffs is significantly higher in India compared to the US. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 ✅Mains: "India's agricultural protectionism, while crucial for safeguarding domestic livelihoods, poses a challenge in its trade negotiations with the US." Discuss this statement, highlighting the economic and political factors influencing India's tariff policies and suggesting a way forward that balances domestic interests with international trade dynamics.