India, U.S. Plan Multiple Meetings to Advance Trade Agreement
New Delhi — India and the United States are set to intensify negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement, with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer scheduled to hold multiple meetings with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal this week.
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said Monday that the talks in New Delhi would focus on advancing the trade deal ahead of a key tariff deadline next month.
“Looking forward to welcoming Ambassador Greer @USTradeRep to New Delhi! Multiple sessions scheduled with Minister @PiyushGoyal to advance the U.S.-India trade deal!” Gor said in a post on X.
The two countries are seeking to finalize the framework for the first phase of the proposed agreement before the tariff deadline.
The ministerial-level discussions are part of ongoing efforts to reach an interim trade pact that could pave the way for a broader bilateral agreement.
Goyal said Sunday that Greer would arrive in New Delhi for talks.
“For the US trade deal talks, tomorrow my counterpart is coming to Delhi,” the minister told reporters.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said earlier this month that the discussions were expected to focus on completing the framework agreement while also advancing negotiations on the broader trade pact.
Goyal has said India and the United States are working to resolve the remaining issues in the interim agreement and expressed confidence that the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement could be completed by the middle of next month.
The talks come as a temporary 10% U.S. tariff on all trading partners is scheduled to expire July 24.
The tariff, imposed in addition to Most Favored Nation duty rates, was announced earlier this year. Washington is expected to implement a revised tariff system after the 150-day period ends.
The latest discussions follow negotiations between chief trade negotiators held in New Delhi from June 2 to June 4.
India and the United States are seeking to strengthen economic ties and expand bilateral trade through a phased arrangement while continuing work toward a comprehensive trade agreement. (Source: IANS)
