Indian officials are exploring ways to lower tariffs on a wide range of imports, including cars and chemicals, in a bid to evade US President Donald Trump’s threatened reciprocal levies, according to people familiar with the matter.

India is studying U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on the country's steel and aluminium imports, mines secretary Kantha Rao said on Thursday. "We definitely have a cost advantage in production of steel and aluminium.

The partnership is a pillar of Washington’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific region but faces challenges on issues including illegal immigration, visas and trade deficits.