The India-US trade deal is progressing toward a significant milestone, with officials from both nations indicating that a formal agreement is in the final stages of preparation. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on February 5, 2026, following discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that the "historic" bilateral trade deal is nearing completion in its detailing phase and will be finalized "very soon." He described it as opening a "new phase" in India-US relations, with vast possibilities for enhanced cooperation.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal provided further details, announcing that a joint statement from the two countries is expected within the next 3-5 days. This statement will trigger the first phase of the deal, including an immediate reduction in US tariffs on Indian exports from 50% (which included base duties plus penalties related to energy purchases) to 18%. The formal legal agreement is slated for signing by mid-March 2026, after which India will begin lowering tariffs on select US imports. Goyal emphasized that sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy have been safeguarded in the negotiations.
The deal follows announcements earlier in February by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing long-standing tariff disputes. It is expected to boost Indian exports, create opportunities for skilled professionals and MSMEs, and include commitments such as potential large-scale purchases of US goods, including up to $80 billion in Boeing aircraft. While some US claims suggested broader concessions (e.g., halting Russian oil imports or $500 billion in purchases), Indian officials have stressed that energy decisions remain driven by national interests, and protections for key sectors remain intact.
In a separate but concurrent development in domestic politics, the Karnataka government is advancing plans to revive student union elections in colleges and universities after a ban lasting nearly 37 years. The prohibition was imposed in 1989 due to concerns over violence and disruptions to academic environments.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, a former student leader and KPCC president, has been a key proponent of the revival, influenced by calls from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to foster youth leadership and democratic participation on campuses. In late December 2025, Shivakumar announced the formation of a high-level committee (initially reported as 9-11 members, including ministers, legislators, and youth leaders) to study the feasibility, modalities, and implications of restoring these elections.
The panel, chaired by Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, is examining critical aspects such as:
* Whether elections should be conducted under political party banners, along ideological lines, or in a strictly non-political/apartisan format aligned with guidelines like the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations.
* Eligibility criteria for candidates.
-*Expenditure limits and security measures.
* Provisions for greater inclusion, including reservations or enhanced participation for women, OBCs, SC/STs, and students with disabilities.
The committee was tasked with submitting its recommendations within a short timeframe (around 15 days from formation), with initial steps focusing on government colleges before potential expansion. The move aims to nurture future political talent, promote democratic values among students, and counter perceptions of campus depoliticization, though it has sparked debates on maintaining academic peace.
These two stories highlight contrasting spheres of India's current landscape: strengthening international economic ties amid global shifts and efforts to reinvigorate grassroots democracy in the education sector.
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