NEW DELHI– Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday confirmed that India is engaged in “active discussions” with the United States to finalize a bilateral trade agreement.
Speaking at the FICCI Leads Summit in New Delhi, Goyal said trade negotiations with Washington were progressing alongside parallel talks with the European Union and New Zealand. He also signaled that an agreement with Oman was expected “very soon.”
The minister’s remarks came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration had resumed formal trade negotiations with India.
“I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between our two nations,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account.
The U.S. president also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “very good friend” and said he expected talks to conclude successfully in the coming weeks.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the renewed momentum, posting on X that the discussions would unlock “the limitless potential of the India-U.S. partnership.”
“India and the U.S. are close friends and natural partners,” Modi wrote. “I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-U.S. partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump.”
Last week, Trump publicly described Modi as a “great prime minister” and underscored his personal rapport with the Indian leader. Modi, in turn, said he fully shared Trump’s sentiments and appreciated his words.
The latest developments come as both governments work to ease past trade tensions and deepen bilateral economic ties, a move welcomed by business leaders on both sides of the partnership. (Source: IANS)
