Brands
From almonds to alcohol: what gets cheaper after India–US tariff cuts
INDIA: From almonds to alcohol, American imports are about to get easier on the Indian wallet. India and the United States have agreed on a framework for an interim trade deal that will slash tariffs on a swathe of US food and agricultural products, while offering Washington reciprocal access to Indian exports.
Under the proposed pact, India will eliminate or reduce duties on products ranging from animal feed and grains to fruit, oils and spirits. Items set to become cheaper include dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, and wine and spirits: categories long flagged by US exporters as over-taxed.
Beyond tariffs, India has agreed to tackle non-tariff barriers affecting US shipments of medical devices, information and communication technology goods, and food and agricultural products, a persistent irritant in bilateral trade talks.
The US, in turn, will lower tariffs on Indian-origin goods from as high as 50 per cent to a reciprocal rate of 18 per cent. The cuts apply to sectors including textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, plastics, chemicals, home décor and selected machinery. The higher duties had been imposed after earlier negotiations stalled, amid USA’s criticism of India’s oil purchases from Russia.
If the interim deal is concluded, the tariff rollback could widen further. Indian officials see scope for expanded access for generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts: sectors where India has long sought relief.
Trade concessions are being paired with big-ticket buying. India has signalled plans to purchase $500 billion worth of US energy products, aircraft, precious metals, technology goods and coking coal over the next five years, underscoring the commercial heft behind the diplomatic reset.
The agreement also lays groundwork for cooperation on supply-chain resilience and digital trade, alongside the creation of “rules of origin” designed to ensure benefits accrue primarily to India and the US, rather than third countries routing exports through them.
The framework marks a thaw after a bruising phase in ties. The US had imposed a 25 per cent punitive tariff on Indian goods, which President Donald Trump recently lifted via executive order. The interim pact now serves as a bridge towards a broader bilateral trade agreement first floated by prime minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump in February 2025.
Brands
Radico Khaitan appoints Kunal Madan as chief marketing officer
Promotions signal focus on premium spirits, global expansion and homegrown leadership
UTTAR PRADESH: Radico Khaitan has elevated two long-serving insiders to its top leadership team, signalling a bold push into premium spirits and global markets. Kunal Madan steps in as chief marketing officer, while Sudhir Upadhyay takes charge as chief sales officer, both part of what managing director Abhishek Khaitan calls a consciously built next-generation leadership bench.
“At Radico Khaitan, our growth has always been powered by people,” Khaitan said. “True leadership is not imported, it is cultivated.” He added that empowering internal talent ensures continuity while keeping the company globally competitive and future-ready.
Madan, with over 20 years of experience across global sales and marketing, will drive brand architecture, marketing strategy, and the premiumisation agenda, including travel retail. Upadhyay, who has 25 years in the industry and was most recently national sales head, will oversee distribution expansion and execution across markets.
The leadership reshuffle comes amid Radico’s intensified focus on premium spirits, a segment driving higher margins and international growth. Last year, Ajay Kakkar was brought on to head the Premium On-Trade vertical, targeting modern and institutional channels to boost presence in high-growth segments.
Meanwhile, Amar Sinha stepped down as chief operating officer after contributing across multiple growth phases. Khaitan acknowledged Sinha’s role in supporting the company’s trajectory, while Sinha described his tenure as “an absolute privilege,” crediting Khaitan’s leadership for shaping the company’s strategic direction.
With a homegrown leadership bench and a clear premium agenda, Radico Khaitan is set to accelerate its global expansion while doubling down on brand elevation and market impact.
