India-US Trade Talks: Navigating Tariffs and Future Growth

India and the USA are set to engage in three-day talks starting December 10 to advance their bilateral trade agreement. The discussions aim to address tariff issues impacting Indian exports. This step comes amid ongoing negotiations targeting a framework trade deal and a broader pact to enhance bilateral trade significantly.

India and the United States are poised to kick off crucial three-day negotiations on December 10, aiming to advance the first phase of their proposed bilateral trade agreement. Sources indicate that the meetings aim to tackle existing tariff challenges and progress towards a comprehensive trade pact.

The discussions, not part of a formal round, will see Deputy USTR Rick Switzer leading the US delegation. This marks the US team's second visit following the imposition of hefty tariffs on Indian goods due to India's Russian oil purchases. Indian officials, under Joint Secretary Darpan Jain, will focus on resolving these trade barriers.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal conveyed optimism for a framework trade deal this year, which could alleviate tariffs hindering Indian exporters. Both nations are negotiating a framework and a comprehensive trade deal, hoping to increase bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030 from USD 191 billion.