India-US Trade Talks Make Strides Towards Early Agreement

India and the United States have made 'positive and forward-looking' progress in their latest trade negotiations, aiming for an early conclusion. Discussions have intensified, focusing on a mutually beneficial trade agreement. Previous talks faced challenges, including US-imposed tariffs and India's reservations on opening agricultural sectors.

The Ministry of External Affairs announced on Friday that the latest India-US trade negotiations have been 'positive and forward-looking'. Both nations are striving to finalize an agreement quickly. A delegation from the U.S., headed by Chief Negotiator Brenden Lynch, engaged in discussions with India's Ministry of Commerce on September 16.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India's dedication to enhancing its partnership with the U.S. He described the discussions as comprehensive, covering various trade deal aspects, and highlighted both nations' decision to accelerate efforts for a mutually beneficial agreement.

The Ministry of Commerce confirmed that the U.S. delegation, led by Lynch, met with senior Commerce Department officials to discuss the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. These efforts are part of an ongoing series of negotiations, which have faced hurdles such as tariffs imposed by the U.S. and India's reluctance to open its agricultural sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)