India-US trade deal: Latest update on talks - Indian delegation to visit US soon

India-US trade deal: An Indian delegation is set to leave for the United States this week to engage in the next round of talks on the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement ( BTA ). Both sides are hopeful about concluding the first tranche of the pact by fall, an important step towards strengthening India-US trade relations.

According to government officials, a high-level Indian business delegation will visit Washington this week to hold another round of talks aimed at resolving pending issues and finalising the initial part of the agreement.

A senior government source told ANI, "The discussions with the US are progressing on a positive path. Both sides are hopeful that the first tranche of the Bilateral Trade Agreement will be concluded within the stipulated fall timeline."

The upcoming talks are expected to focus on key market access issues, regulatory cooperation and trade expansion in the energy and technology sectors. India is also looking to increase imports of natural gas and renewable energy technologies from the United States as part of the evolving trade relationship.

Sources noted that energy cooperation remains an area of mutual interest, with India keen to enhance its long-term LNG procurement and renewable energy collaboration with US firms.

"India is exploring avenues to buy more gas and renewables from the US. This aligns with our clean energy transition goals and helps diversify energy sources," the official added.

Meanwhile, India's parallel negotiations with the European Union for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are also making headway, though some key issues remain unresolved.

"Talks with the EU are progressing well. However, there are still pending matters related to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), as well as trade concerns in the steel, auto, and agriculture sectors," sources said.

An Indian trade team is expected to head to Brussels by the end of this month for another round of discussions to bridge differences and push the FTA process forward.

Officials indicated that both sides are working to address regulatory and tariff concerns in a balanced manner. "The Indian side has been constructively engaging with the EU on all outstanding matters, including sustainability-linked trade measures," said an official.

The EU is India's third-largest trading partner, and both sides are keen to conclude an agreement that will provide greater market access and regulatory predictability.

Both trade tracks with the US and with the EU are part of India's broader strategy to strengthen its global economic partnerships and secure more resilient supply chains amid shifting geopolitical and trade dynamics.

(With agency inputs)

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