India announced on Wednesday reforms to cut red tape and simplify its import quality checks, addressing a concern raised by the US over what it described as the South Asian country's "burdensome" import-quality requirements. The reforms on import checks include reduced paperwork, shorter timelines, and fewer inspections for quality approvals, the trade ministry said in a statement. India expects to secure a trade deal with the United States before the end of this year as most issues have been resolved, New Delhi's trade secretary said on 28 November. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump said that talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been going well. Trump's administration has pressured India to reduce oil purchases from Russia and to bring down tariffs including across sensitive sectors like agriculture.

Source: The Telegraph December 24, 2025 14:51 UTC