India-US trade deal aims to reduce barriers, enhance market access: MEA

On Friday, the external affairs ministry stated that the India-US trade agreement seeks to reduce tariff and non-tariff obstacles, enhance market access, and reinforce supply chain integration. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned that talks focus on increasing bilateral trade in goods and services while striving for a mutually advantageous agreement.

“During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States last month, both sides announced that they will engage and negotiate a multi-sector bilateral trade agreement,” he said.

Jaiswal was answering a question about the Trump administration’s comments regarding retaliatory tariffs directed at India. Jaisal mentioned that the recent trip of Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal to the US was a continuation of efforts to push the agreement forward.

“The two governments are working to enhance trade across goods and services, improve market access, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepen supply chain integration,” he added.

The MEA additionally stated that India has expressed its strong worry to UK officials regarding a security lapse during external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s trip. External affairs minister S Jaishankar encountered a stressful situation in London when Khalistani extremists tried to target him as he left a talk at Chatham House.

Pro-Khalistan protesters gathered outside the location, waving flags and shouting slogans opposing Jaishankar’s visit. Reports stated that they attempted to disrupt his commitments.  In April 2023, India called on the UK to enhance monitoring of Khalistan backers after demonstrators took down the Indian flag from the embassy’s structure.

In the meantime, Jaiswal also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by a contingent from the Indian Defence Forces and a ship from the Indian Navy, will participate in the National Day festivities in Mauritius.