‘Working to resolve trade issues with US’

US Assistant Trade Representative (USTR) Mark Limscott was here for talks last week providing India the first opportunity to put across its case for an exemption along the lines of the ones the US has allowed to Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and South Korea, as also the EU. 

“We are working with the US to address the trade issues...they are among our most important trading paratners,” Prabhu told reporters here without revealing more about the talks with the Limscott. He was replying to questions at the launch of the FIEO ‘Globalinker’ platform for small and medium exporters to digitise and link their businesses globally. 

Noting that India’s largest trade surplus was with the US, Prabhu said India enjoys a “special relationship with the US, not just restricted to trade, but that is multi-dimensional and strategic.” 

“We’re in control of the situation. Anyway, we’re not a significant exporter of steel or aluminium to the US. The more important issue with them is on our exports of medical devices,” he added.