India-US Trade Talks Resume in New Delhi, Both Sides Push for Early Agreement

New Delhi, Sept 17 – Trade negotiations between India and the United States have gained fresh momentum as senior officials from both sides met in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the long-awaited bilateral trade agreement.

The meeting was held between a delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), led by Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch, and Indian officials headed by Rajesh Agarwal, Special Secretary, Department of Commerce.

In a statement issued after the talks, the Department of Commerce described the discussions as “positive and forward-looking,” adding that both sides agreed to intensify efforts toward finalizing a mutually beneficial trade agreement at the earliest.

Trade Relations Reignite After Past Tensions

Efforts to establish a bilateral trade deal had previously lost steam due to tensions during the Trump administration, especially after the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on several Indian exports starting August 27. The move was seen as a reaction to India’s continued oil purchases from Russia, and it led to the cancellation of a scheduled U.S. trade team visit to India in August.

However, relations began to improve gradually, particularly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly referred to then-President Donald Trump as a “dear friend” on social media, following some positive remarks about India from the U.S. President.

A Renewed Push for Progress

This week’s high-level meeting signals a renewed commitment by both nations to strengthen economic ties and remove trade barriers. Both governments now appear keen to wrap up a deal that has remained in discussion for several years.

The exact timeline for the agreement remains unclear, but officials on both sides have indicated a willingness to resolve pending issues and move forward quickly.