US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross cancels India trip

Wilbur Ross (far right) and other Trump administration officials sit down with Chinese vice-ministers and senior officials for trade negotiations in Washington. PHOTO: AFP

NEW YORK (REUTERS) - US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has cancelled plans to visit India this week for a business forum due to "inclement weather" and other logistical issues, a spokesman for the agency said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 13).

Ross was due to co-chair the US-India CEO Forum set to begin on Thursday in New Delhi.

The last-minute cancellation comes as tensions have risen between the two countries over trade and investment policies.

"Due to inclement weather, technical problems that led to the cancellation of his flight and other logistical issues, Secretary Ross regrets he is no longer able to attend the CEO Forum and Commercial Dialogue in person," the spokesman said, noting that Ross would participate remotely.

The United States is considering revoking India's zero-tariff status, sources told Reuters last week.

Differences between the two countries have grown as India introduced new restrictions on e-commerce and US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs.

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