India and US advance bilateral trade talks toward interim agreement

In a two‑day visit from 22 to 24 June, U.S. Trade Representative James Greer met with India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi to review progress on the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The discussions focused on expanding market access, strengthening digital trade, enhancing supply‑chain resilience, reducing non‑tariff barriers and deepening cooperation in strategic sectors. Both sides stressed the need to finalize an interim agreement before the temporary 10 % U.S. tariff expires on 24 July, aiming for a balanced deal that benefits businesses, farmers, workers and consumers in both countries.

The talks follow earlier minister‑level negotiations in early June and a joint statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump at the G7 summit in France. “The main purpose of the discussion was to find a way to finalize an interim agreement,” officials said, indicating continued momentum toward a broader, comprehensive trade partnership.