www.thestatesman.com | FOLLOW US: India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | @TheStatesmanLtd Pages 20 | @thestatesmanltd ` 5.00 Nation | KOLKATA LC People’s Parliament, Always in Session @thestatesman1875 | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR World | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | 08 February 2026 S P O RT S Tribal harmony with nature holds lessons for the nation, says President Murmu US using carrot and stick policy against Iran David hints at late-stage focus as Australia manage his workload at T20 World Cup Page 5 Page 17 Page 20 India, US unveil framework for Interim Trade Agreement to enhance economic ties ASHOK TUTEJA New Delhi, 7 February M oving a step closer to signing a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), India and the United States on Saturday announced that they have reached a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement that would lower tariffs, address non-tariff barriers, and strengthen economic ties between them. ‘’Today’s framework reaffirms the countries’ commitment to the broader US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations, launched by President Donald J Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025, which will include additional market access commitments and support more resilient supply chains,’’ a joint statement issued by the two countries said. The joint statement came five days after President Trump and PM Modi announced that they had reached a trade deal between their two countries. It said the Interim Agreement will represent a historic milestone in the partnership between the two countries, demonstrating a common commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes. The joint statement suggested that under the Interim Agreement, India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US food and agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal addresses a press conference on the India-US trade agreement at Vanijya Bhawan, in New Delhi on Saturday. AGENCIES and additional products. The US will apply a reciprocal tariff rate of 18 per cent on originating goods of India, including textile and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber, organic chemicals, home décor, artisanal products, and certain machinery. Subject to the successful conclusion of the Interim Agreement, the US will also remove the reciprocal tariff on a wide range of goods identified in the Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners, including generic pharmaceuticals, gems, and diamonds. The US will also remove tariffs on certain aircraft and aircraft parts of India imposed to eliminate threats to national security. Similarly, consistent with US national security requirements, India will receive a preferential tariff rate quota for automotive parts subject to the tariff imposed to eliminate threats to national security. Contingent on the findings of the US investigation of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, India will receive negotiated outcomes with respect to generic pharmaceuticals and ingredients. The joint statement said the US and India commit to providing each other preferential market access in sectors of respective interest on a sustained basis. They will establish rules of origin that ensure that the benefits of the Agreement accrue predominantly to both countries. The two countries will address non-tariff barriers that affect bilateral trade. India agreed to address long-standing barriers to the trade in US medical devices; eliminate restrictive import licensing procedures that delay market access for, or impose quantitative restrictions on, US Information and Communication Technology (ICT) goods; and determine, with a view towards a positive outcome, within six months of entry into force of the Agreement whether US-developed or international standards, including testing requirements, are acceptable for the purposes of US exports entering the Indian market in identified sectors. A ‘living bridge’ of culture and trust: Modi connects with Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi/Kuala Lumpur, 7 February In an evening rich with colour, music, and political symbolism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to the nearly 2.9 million-strong Indian diaspora in Malaysia, describing the community as a “living bridge” that continues to anchor and strengthen the historic relationship between India and Malaysia. Speaking at a packed diaspora programme at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MINES) on Saturday, Modi blended nostalgia, culture, and geopolitics, using the platform to underline India’s expanding role in Southeast Asia and the growing depth of India-Malaysia ties. “Grateful for the warmth of the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur. Our diaspora continues to serve as a strong bridge between India and Malaysia,” Modi said, as applause echoed through the hall. Malaysia hosts the second-largest Indian-origin population in the world, a fact Modi repeatedly highlighted as a source of pride and strategic strength. Delhi LG Saxena to flag off 59th Edition of The Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally NIKHIL VYAS New Delhi, 7 February Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena will flag off the much-awaited 59th Edition of The Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally in the national capital on Sunday. The rally, which will commence at the Statesman House, Barakhamba Road, the heart of Delhi, at 10 am, will be a treat to the eyes of car lovers with grand old beauties of automobiles dazzling on the city's roads. The Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally is an annual event that takes place in Delhi and Kolkata. It’s one of the oldest continuously running event in India and the sub-continent. Commenced in 1964 in Delhi, the rally was taken to Kolkata in 1968. The iconic vintage and classic cars to take part in the rally include 1936 Rolls Royce, 1926 Studebaker Erskine, 1906 Renault Freres, 1935 Rytecraft, and 1938 Mercedes, 1937 Wolseley, 1932 Baby Austin, 1938 Adler,1937 Dodge, 1929 Austin 7 Tourer, 1919 Citroen Torpedo, 1913 Stoewer, 1912 Standard Coventry and many others. Over 100 vehicles will be participating in the 59th edition of the rally. The major attraction of the event are an assembly of vintage and classic cars, followed by a drive through the city where cars are assessed for their originality and performance on the road section, a grand parade, and live music. Rolls Royce, Bentley, the 1914 John Morris fire engine, owned by the Rail Museum, smaller vintage and classic cars, and outstation cars will be among the other highlights of this year’s event. The participating vintage and classic cars followed by a drive through the city will reach the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium near India Gate at 12:30 pm. The prize distribution ceremony will be held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at 3 pm. Owners of the vehicles eagerly await the Rally every year as it gives them a unique opportunity to drive their well-maintained machines of the bygone era on modern roads. The Rally will open a window for the people of the National Capital to have a glimpse of an enchanting era through vintage automobiles. These vehicles are categorised as vintage, classic, post-war, and others. The people of Delhi could witness scores of four-wheeler engineering marvels displaying their graceful grandeur while cruising along the roads of their city and its suburbs. The entire occasion will be a feast for the eyes of car enthusiasts and vintage automobile lovers. (Photos by Subrata Dutta) The Prime Minister framed India’s global rise around the idea of trust, calling it the country’s greatest asset. “Today, India is seen as a trusted partner for growth,” he said, adding, “Trust has become India’s strongest currency.” The message resonated with a community that has long played a role in trade, education and cultural exchange between the two countries. PM welcomes framework for Indo-US trade agreement; says it will strengthen ‘Make in India’: New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed the understanding on a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement between India and the United States, saying the pact will strengthen ‘Make in India’ by opening new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, start-up innovators and fishermen, while generating large-scale employment for women and youth. Describing the framework as great news for both nations, he said the framework will deepen investment and technology partnerships, strengthen resilient and trusted supply chains, and contribute to global growth. The PM thanked US President Donald Trump for his personal commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries and said the framework reflects the growing depth, trust and dynamism of the India-US partnership. Responding to the X post of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal about the interim agreement, Modi wrote on X, “Great news for India and USA! We have agreed on a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement between our two great nations. I thank President Trump for his personal commitment to robust ties between our countries. SNS
The Statesman is one of India's oldest English newspapers. It was founded in Kolkata in 1875 and is directly descended from The Friend of India (founded 1818). The Englishman (founded 1821) was merged with The Statesman in 1934. The Delhi edition of The Statesman began publication in 1931. The Statesman Weekly is a compendium of news and views from the Kolkata and Delhi editions. Printed on airmail paper, it is popular with readers outside India. The Statesman (average weekday circulation approximately 180,000) is a leading English newspaper in West Bengal. The Sunday Statesman has a circulation of 230,000.
