On September 6, 2019, Ashley Craig was quoted in Bloomberg Law regarding the U.S.-India trade negotiations expected to take place later this month. According to the article, the negotiations could result in a limited trade deal, or the same type of aggressive approach the Trump administration has taken with China.
President Trump's cordial relations with Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi may not be enough to avoid a confrontation over trade barriers on medical devices, agriculture, telecommunications equipment, and energy. Trump has lashed out against India's high tariffs and special World Trade Organization privileges. His lead negotiator, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer, ended India's duty-free benefits, saying in June that India must address trade barriers or face some unspecified "additional action."
"It's looking like 'China 2.0,'" Craig said. "It's all of the same—shock and awe," he said of the administration's trade strategy.