India and US Eye Early Wins in Trade Deal

India and the United States are working towards achieving "early mutual wins" in their proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), aiming to finalize some elements before the Fall deadline. The discussions, held in Washington DC, covered a wide range of tariff and non-tariff matters, with both sides looking forward to concluding the first tranche of the BTA by Fall of 2025.

Pathway to Conclusion

The commerce department highlighted productive sectoral expert level engagements through virtual formats and announced plans for in-person sectoral engagements starting from May-end. This marks a significant step towards achieving the mutual benefits outlined in the multi-sector BTA.

Industry Concerns and Confidentiality

Despite progress, industry representatives express concerns over the lack of transparency regarding the negotiations' progress and outcomes. The terms of reference for the talks, spanning 19 chapters, remain undisclosed, adding to the uncertainty amidst US President Donald Trump's fluctuating tariff policies.

Market Access and Labor-Intensive Sectors

India is keen on securing market access for its labor-intensive sectors, a key interest in the negotiations. However, details on rules of origin and areas for concessions are yet to be discussed, leaving many questions unanswered.