India, US Conclude Two-Day Trade Talks; Review Core Elements Of Bilateral Pact

 

 

New Delhi : India and the US reviewed the progress in negotiations for an interim bilateral trade agreement during a two-day ministerial meeting and discussed core elements, including market access, digital trade and non-tariff barriers, as both countries aim to conclude the pact before Washington’s temporary 10 per cent tariff expires on July 24.

Leading an official delegation, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer was here from June 22–24 for the talks with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA).

The visit marked a key step in the ongoing efforts to advance a balanced, mutually beneficial India–US BTA, and to finalise an interim deal in line with the joint statement of February 7, 2026, the commerce ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

 

The two ministers held multiple rounds of discussions and “conducted a comprehensive review of core BTA elements, including enhanced market access, digital trade, supply chain resilience, reduction of non-tariff barriers, and expanded cooperation in strategic sectors,” it said.

It added that ‘substantial’ progress has been made by the negotiating teams of the two sides on the pact during the recent months.

“Discussions focused on pathways to conclude an interim agreement as an important milestone toward a comprehensive BTA,” it said, adding that the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a trade agreement that is balanced, commercially meaningful, and delivers tangible benefits for businesses, farmers, workers, and consumers in both countries.

 

“Recognising the growing significance of the India–US economic partnership amid evolving global trade dynamics, both sides reiterated their shared goal of expanding bilateral trade, fostering innovation, and building resilient, trusted supply chains,” it added.Earlier in the day, Goyal said in a social media post that the two sides reviewed the progress of the ongoing India-US trade discussions.

“I appreciate Ambassador Greer’s leadership and the sustained efforts of both teams in advancing our discussions in a constructive and forward-looking manner,” Goyal said.

The meeting was important as the two countries are aiming at salvaging and recalibrating the proposed agreement after changes in US tariff policy upended a framework deal finalised earlier this year. On Tuesday, Jamieson Greer reached Vanijay Bhavan in the national capital. The US Trade Representative was accompanied by the US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor and a US trade delegation.

 

In a post on X, Goyal had said India and the United States share a strong and growing economic partnership. “We had productive discussions on advancing negotiations towards a balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement, in line with the Joint Statement of 7 February 2026,” the minister posted.

He further stated that India remains committed to working constructively with the United States to further deepen economic ties and create new opportunities for growth and innovation. India and the United States are moving decisively towards finalising a bilateral trade agreement that could unlock new economic opportunities and deepen bilateral economic ties.

 

Gor welcomed USTR Greer who arrived here for key trade talks with 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.