India, US representatives discuss multi-sector bilateral trade agreement

The representatives of the two nations discussed trade ties during their meeting held in Washington DC between April 23 to April 25.

The meeting was held between representatives of India’s Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

"During the meetings in Washington, D.C., the team had fruitful discussions on wide ranging subjects covering tariff and non-tariff matters," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

"The team discussed the pathway for concluding the first tranche of the mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement by Fall of 2025, including through opportunities for early mutual wins," the statement said.

"While productive Sectoral expert level engagements have taken place through the virtual format,  in-person Sectoral engagements are planned from end May," the statement said.

The meeting took place amid the recent tariff threats announced by US President Trump.

Tariffs

US President Donald Trump, who imposed a 26 percent tariff over and above the previous 10 percent tariff on Indian goods, has currently paused the new "reciprocal" tariffs for 90 days bringing in some breather.

The White House had earlier stated that the Trump administration has put its relations with India as a top priority and is keen to have a trade deal in place.

Indian leaders had said that a trade deal was expected by autumn, but it is being given priority to be completed by the end of July.

New Delhi has, however, made it clear that it will not be hurried into a deal, nor would it be compelled to make a deal "at gunpoint".

A deal will only happen when it takes India's concerns into account, it said.