India and US Restart Trade Negotiations in New Delhi Amid Tariff Concerns
New Delhi – India and the United States today resumed trade talks in New Delhi, seeking to overcome obstacles that have stalled progress toward a bilateral trade agreement (BTA).The discussions come as both nations navigate lingering tariff tensions and differing priorities in key sectors.
The push for a BTA was initially tasked to the trade ministers of both countries by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump in Febuary, wiht a goal of concluding the first phase by “the fall of 2025”-November. However, negotiations reached a standstill due to Washington’s demands for greater access to India’s agricultural and dairy markets, areas considered sensitive by New Delhi.
While officials describe the current environment as “not a round of negotiation,” efforts are underway to find common ground. “We will try to see how we can reach an agreement with the US. We had been talking virtually but we have not made much progress because the environment was not conducive,” one official told the Indian Express.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal confirmed discussions have occurred at multiple levels – diplomatic, trade, chief negotiator, and ministerial – and that a positive outlook on trade issues exists in both countries.
The resumption of talks follows recent statements from White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, who indicated India was “coming to the negotiating table” after a period of critical remarks regarding India’s trade practices and its relationship with Russia. Prime Minister Modi recently welcomed positive comments from President Trump regarding the trade discussions, expressing optimism about the potential of the partnership.
Both countries have indicated ongoing discussions aimed at reaching an interim trade deal by the fall.