ISAS Briefs

India continues to be labeled ‘obstructive’ in its ongoing trade negotiations such as the RCEP for refusing to eliminate tariffs in agricult ure, dairy and automobiles and insisting on easier access for its professionals in partner country markets. This paper highlights the futility of the approach and the risk of India’s isolation from the trade rule - making process. It urges flexibility in India’s negotiating posture includ ing bilateral discussions with key negotiating partners for resolving differences .