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A delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), led by the Chief Negotiator, visited India in June to advance discussions on the Trade Agreement.
Piyush Goyal
India will announce the final details of its Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States only after Washington agrees to offer preferential tariff terms over India’s competitors, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said.
“As soon as the US is able to give us the preferential rate in comparison to our competition, we will finalise the BTA and announce the final details,” Goyal said, addressing a national workshop on Leveraging FTAs Outreach program.
Goyal had earlier said that India is in a “very sweet” spot and said the country holds huge promise for investors who will continue to look at the India opportunity in greater numbers and greater value in the future.
“Our approach is that India should get preferential access, market access and have the best deal compared to any of our competitors, any other emerging economy or developing economy. We are sitting in a very sweet spot,” he said.
A senior US official, quoted by Reuters in July, said that the trade deal between the US and India could still take another three to four months to be signed, despite negotiations being almost complete.
The official had said the agreement itself was ready, with the remaining delay linked to Washington’s ongoing trade investigations rather than differences between the two countries.
US Delegation Visited India In June
A delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), led by the Chief Negotiator, visited India from 1–4 June 2026 to advance discussions on the Trade Agreement. During the visit, the teams held constructive and positive discussions across a wide range of issues covering Trade in Goods, Non-Tariff Measures, Customs and Trade Facilitation, Economic Security Alignment and other areas of mutual interest.
The engagements were marked by a spirit of cooperation and pragmatism, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to concluding a mutually beneficial agreement that strengthens bilateral trade and economic ties, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said.
In February, the US and India announced that they have reached a framework for an Interim Agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade (Interim Agreement).
The framework reaffirms the countries’ commitment to the broader U.S.-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations, launched by President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025, which will include additional market access commitments and support more resilient supply chains.
The Interim Agreement between the United States and India will represent a historic milestone in our countries’ partnership, demonstrating a common commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes.
Quick Answers
Ask News18India wants the US to offer preferential tariff rates and terms that are better than those given to India’s competitors. Specifically, India is seeking a tariff advantage over competing manufacturing hubs and emerging economies, such as Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, and China, to ensure Indian exporters face lower tariffs than these rivals.
Ask News18About the Author
Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg…Read More
September 03, 2026, 4:42 PM IST
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