India, the United States agrees to intensify efforts to conclude the early commercial deal: Ministry of Commerce

The Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday that India and the United States decided to intensify negotiations for the early conclusion of the bilateral trade agreement. A team of officials from the United States Commercial Representative Office held discussions with New Delhi Trade officials on Tuesday

The ministry said: “By admitting the permanent importance of bilateral trade between India and the United States, the discussions were positive and looking forward to cover various aspects of the commercial deal. It was decided to intensify the efforts made to achieve the early conclusion of a commercial agreement useful for both parties.”

Brendan Lynch, the American commercial actor assistant in South and Central Asia, led the American team. On the Indian side, Rajesh Agrouwal, the special secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, worked as head of the negotiator. Lynch arrived in New Delhi late Monday for a round of discussions for a day.

This was the first personal meeting among senior trade officials since Washington imposed a very importing tariff on Indian exports. Earlier in July, the Trump administration imposed a 25 percent tariff and an additional punishment of 25 percent on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian crude oil. India called the duty of 50 percent combined and unreasonable.

Talks were directed on the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) for the first time by the leaders of the two countries in February 2025, with a plan to finalize the first tranche by the fall of this year. Five rounds of negotiations have already occurred. The sixth round, to be held from August 25 to 29, was postponed after the announcement of the customs tariff.

The officials explained that Lynch’s visit should not be seen as the sixth round of negotiations, but as sales. Meanwhile, the two sides were holding weekly virtual discussions to keep the process alive.

The talks came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed US President Donald Trump’s recent statements on trade relations. India continued to defend the purchase of Russian crude, saying that the purchase of energy was guided by the dynamics of the market and the national interest.

At the same time, Indian officials have repeatedly emphasized that any commercial deal should protect the interests of farmers, dairy producers and bloody modes.