US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made an unexpected visit to New Delhi on February 26, 2026, following the US Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate President Donald Trump’s global tariffs. During a lunch meeting with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, the two officials engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening the trade and economic partnership between the United States and India.
The meeting, confirmed by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Minister Goyal through social media posts, was described as ‘highly productive.’ Gor shared a photograph of the meeting, emphasizing the potential areas of cooperation between the two nations. Goyal highlighted the fruitful nature of the discussions, focusing on expanding bilateral trade.
The visit follows the Supreme Court’s decision on February 20, 2026, which struck down Trump’s use of emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs. This decision has significant implications for the ongoing trade negotiations between India and the US, particularly affecting a previously planned visit by India’s chief negotiator Darpan Jain to Washington.
Historically, the tariffs imposed by Trump had reached up to 50% on certain Indian goods, but were expected to be reduced to 18% following a joint statement on February 6, 2026. However, the court’s ruling necessitates a reevaluation of these terms, as the country-specific tariff structure has been replaced by a uniform baseline.
Looking ahead, the discussions between Lutnick and Goyal are expected to shape the future of India-US trade relations. The need to operate within constitutional constraints, as highlighted by legal expert Abhishek Rastogi, will be a critical factor in any future agreements. As Lutnick continues his visit to India, attending a private event in Jodhpur, the focus remains on the evolving trade dynamics.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 27th, 2026
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