India and the United States are entering a decisive phase in their ongoing trade negotiations, with a US Trade Representative delegation scheduled to visit New Delhi on June 22 to iron out remaining differences and accelerate efforts towards a bilateral trade agreement.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal confirmed on Monday that the visiting delegation will hold discussions with officials from the Ministry of Commerce on June 23 and June 24, with both sides hoping to move closer to finalising the pact.
The upcoming visit follows a recent four-day round of negotiations in New Delhi, which both countries described as productive and pragmatic.
India optimistic about concluding negotiations
NDTV mentioned that the Indian officials have expressed confidence that the fresh round of discussions could help bridge outstanding gaps between the two sides.
"India is hopeful the discussions will help conclude the ongoing trade agreement negotiations," Rajesh Agrawal said during a media briefing.
The negotiations are part of broader efforts by both countries to strengthen economic ties and deepen their strategic partnership amid shifting global trade dynamics.
The proposed agreement is expected to address tariffs, market access, supply chain cooperation and non-tariff barriers that have historically complicated trade relations between the two nations.
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Modi and Trump expected to discuss trade at G7 summit
NDTV has noted that the trade discussions also coincide with high-level diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Washington.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, which is being held from June 15 to June 17 in Evian-les-Bains.
The meeting will be their first in-person interaction since last year's India-Pakistan conflict and is likely to feature trade prominently on the agenda.
Officials from the Trump administration have indicated that both leaders will review the progress of ongoing negotiations and explore ways to fast-track the agreement.
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Tariff landscape remains uncertain after US court ruling
Trade talks have gained momentum since February, when both countries announced a breakthrough under a broader framework valued at more than $500 billion.
Under the understanding, the US agreed to reduce its reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent, while India committed to lowering tariffs and reducing non-tariff barriers for several American products.
However, the trade landscape shifted after the US Supreme Court struck down Trump's sweeping tariff measures in a 6-3 ruling.
The court ruled that the former president had exceeded his authority by imposing tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, legislation originally intended for national emergencies.
