India, U.S. Move Closer to Finalizing Bilateral Trade Agreement
New Delhi — India and the United States are moving decisively toward finalizing a bilateral trade agreement that could create new economic opportunities and deepen commercial ties between the two countries, U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said Tuesday.
Gor made the remarks as U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer arrived in New Delhi for trade negotiations with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
“Welcome to India, @USTradeRep Ambassador Greer! Great to have you here as we drive forward our ambitious trade agenda. We are moving decisively toward finalizing a strong bilateral trade agreement that will unlock new economic opportunities for both countries and significantly deepen the U.S.-India economic partnership,” Gor said in a post on X.
Greer’s visit comes at a critical stage in negotiations over the proposed bilateral trade agreement.
He is scheduled to hold several rounds of talks with Goyal as the two sides work to finalize the framework for the first phase of the trade pact.
The ministerial discussions follow negotiations between senior trade officials held in New Delhi earlier this month. India and the United States are seeking to conclude an interim arrangement that could serve as the foundation for a broader trade agreement.
Goyal has said the two countries are making progress in resolving outstanding issues and could complete the first phase of the agreement by the middle of next month.
The negotiations have taken on greater urgency ahead of the July 24 expiration of a temporary 10% U.S. tariff on trading partners.
The tariff, introduced earlier this year, is imposed in addition to existing Most Favored Nation duty rates. (Source: IANS)
