India and US to Begin Bilateral Trade Agreement Discussions

This week marks the start of virtual discussions between India and the United States on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), as both nations take a 90-day pause on tariff implementation. An in-person meeting is slated for the second half of May, when an Indian trade delegation will visit the US.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal highlighted the dual nature of reciprocal tariffs, stating, "There are both concerns and opportunities for India in terms of the current tariffs, but India has already taken a path where we will be going for trade liberalisation with the US."

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump agreed to deepen bilateral relations, with the trade agreement expected to be finalized by this fall. March saw both countries engaging in trade talks in New Delhi, aiming for a comprehensive, multi-sector BTA.

Officials from both nations met over four days, working towards the ambitious goal of expanding bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress and reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration.