India, US Begin Fresh Round of Trade Talks as Piyush Goyal Meets USTR Jamieson Greer

India and the United States on Tuesday launched a crucial round of negotiations aimed at finalising an interim bilateral trade agreement, with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal holding discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New Delhi. The talks are being closely watched as both countries seek to strengthen economic ties and resolve outstanding trade issues before a key US tariff deadline next month.

Greer’s two-day visit to India comes amid growing optimism that the two sides are nearing a breakthrough in negotiations that have been underway for several months. The discussions are expected to focus on market access, tariff reductions, digital trade, and measures to boost bilateral commerce. Officials from both countries are also working on the first phase of a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

The meeting follows earlier rounds of negotiations held in New Delhi this month, during which chief negotiators reportedly narrowed differences on several key issues. According to government sources, substantial portions of the proposed agreement have already been finalised, with only a handful of contentious matters remaining under discussion.

Ahead of the talks, Goyal reiterated India’s intention to secure favourable tariff terms that would provide Indian exporters with a competitive advantage over rival economies, including several Southeast Asian nations. He stressed that New Delhi is keen to conclude the agreement at the earliest, provided it serves India’s long-term economic interests.

The United States has also signalled its commitment to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. The US Embassy in India said Washington remains focused on securing a fair and reciprocal trade deal that expands market opportunities while delivering benefits to both nations.

The negotiations gained momentum after recent interactions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, who indicated that both countries were close to finalising a trade arrangement. Analysts believe a successful pact could significantly boost bilateral trade, strengthen supply-chain cooperation and enhance investment flows between the world’s two largest democracies. With businesses on both sides awaiting clarity on tariffs and market access, the outcome of the latest round of talks is expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of India-US economic relations.