New Delhi: Efforts to finalise the first phase of the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) have gained momentum, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer set to hold multiple rounds of discussions with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi.
The development was announced by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who said the upcoming meetings are aimed at advancing negotiations on the long-awaited trade pact between the two countries.
“Looking forward to welcoming Ambassador Greer to New Delhi. Multiple sessions scheduled with Minister Piyush Goyal to advance the US-India trade deal,” Gor said in a post on X.
The high-level engagement comes as India and the United States intensify efforts to conclude an interim trade agreement that could pave the way for a broader and more comprehensive bilateral trade pact. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had earlier confirmed that his American counterpart would be visiting India for negotiations.
Officials familiar with the discussions said the talks are expected to focus on finalising the framework for the first phase of the agreement and addressing unresolved issues that remain under negotiation. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal had recently indicated that both sides were working towards completing the framework before moving ahead with the larger trade agreement.
Goyal has expressed confidence that the first phase of the BTA can be concluded by mid-July. He said India and the United States are actively working to resolve pending concerns under the proposed interim arrangement.
The negotiations have gained urgency as a temporary 10 per cent tariff imposed by the United States on imports from its trading partners is scheduled to expire on July 24. The tariff, introduced earlier this year, is applied in addition to existing Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rates. Washington is expected to unveil a revised tariff framework once the 150-day period ends.
Earlier this month, chief negotiators from both countries held discussions in New Delhi from June 2 to June 4 to advance the proposed agreement. The upcoming ministerial-level talks are being viewed as a significant step toward securing an interim trade deal and strengthening economic ties between the world’s two largest democracies.
Both nations are aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment through a phased approach while continuing negotiations on a comprehensive long-term trade agreement.
