India-US Trade Agreement Nearly Complete, With 98-99% of Negotiations Finished: US Official
WASHINGTON — A long-awaited trade agreement between India and the United States is 98% to 99% complete, with most major issues resolved and negotiations continuing at the highest political levels, a senior U.S. official said Friday.
The official said only a small number of outstanding issues remain, raising expectations that the two countries could soon finalize an agreement following months of negotiations.
“The biggest items have been settled. I mean …., it’s pretty much done. We have that one, one or two per cent left,” the official told reporters during a State Department briefing.
The comments came ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s planned visit to India, where he is expected to meet government officials and business leaders in Mumbai and Jamnagar.
According to the official, Washington and New Delhi remain in regular contact, with negotiations involving U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We are actively engaged every single week,” the official said, emphasizing that discussions on the proposed agreement continue at senior levels.
Despite the progress, the official acknowledged that legal complications had contributed to delays in completing the deal.
An earlier understanding between the two countries had been tied to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). However, a court decision striking down the relevant legal framework forced negotiators to reconsider portions of the agreement, extending discussions by several months.
The official nevertheless expressed confidence that the remaining differences could be resolved.
Rubio is scheduled to visit Uzbekistan for meetings with Central Asian leaders before traveling to India. His itinerary includes meetings with Indian officials and senior executives from major corporations in Mumbai, followed by a visit to Jamnagar.
The decision to hold meetings in Mumbai rather than New Delhi reflects the Trump administration’s increased emphasis on commercial diplomacy and attracting Indian investment to the United States, the official said.
Washington is also seeking to strengthen cooperation with India in information technology, pharmaceuticals, defense and other strategic industries.
Additional visits by senior U.S. Cabinet officials are expected next year as both governments work to expand economic and diplomatic ties. (Source: IANS)
