NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON, October 2: The proposed India-US trade agreement is not yet imminent, although negotiations have moved into an advanced stage. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said both countries have identified the remaining sticking points and officials are working to resolve them.
USTR Says Sticking Points Remain
Greer said the two sides have made progress but an immediate agreement should not be expected.
He said negotiators now have a clearer understanding of the unresolved issues and are working intensively toward solutions.
Goyal and Greer Hold Trade Talks
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Greer during the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee.
The discussions focused on the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial interim agreement under the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement.
Interim Agreement Remains Priority
India and the United States are currently trying to finalise an interim trade arrangement while continuing negotiations on a broader bilateral pact.
Tariffs, market access and competitive conditions for exporters remain important parts of the negotiations.
Modi and Trump Remain Engaged
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on September 30, discussing cooperation in areas including trade, defence, energy and critical technologies.
Their conversation came as officials from both countries continued negotiations on the trade agreement.
Another Modi-Trump Call May Take Place
Greer indicated that Modi and Trump could speak again soon to review progress in the negotiations.
No date for another conversation has been officially announced, meaning the possibility remains dependent on how negotiations develop.
India Seeks Competitive Access to US Market
India has emphasised that any final agreement should provide Indian exporters with competitive conditions in the American market.
New Delhi is seeking a balanced arrangement that expands trade opportunities while protecting important domestic economic interests.
No Final Signing Date Yet
Despite the latest round of discussions, neither government has announced a final date for signing the agreement.
Officials are expected to continue technical and ministerial-level talks until the remaining differences are resolved.
Trade Deal Remains Work in Progress
The latest statements suggest that the negotiations have progressed significantly but have not yet reached a final breakthrough.
Further discussions between officials — and potentially another conversation between Modi and Trump — could determine when the proposed agreement moves toward completion.
Source – Reuters / The Indian Express / Economic Times
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