India Pushes for US Trade Deal by Fall
India eyes US trade pact soon
India is intensifying efforts to finalize a bilateral trade agreement with the United States, with Special Secretary and chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal leading the charge, he announced at an export logistics event on Thursday. The goal is to conclude the first phase of the pact by September-October 2025, with an interim agreement targeted beforehand to dodge a looming 26% U.S. tariff set to resume July 9.
Agrawal highlighted India’s robust trade diplomacy, having implemented 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 26 countries, including recent pacts with the UK, Australia, and the UAE. Negotiations are also advancing with the European Union, New Zealand, Chile, and Peru. “We are integrating with major markets,” Agrawal said, emphasizing India’s push to boost bilateral trade with the U.S. to $500 billion by 2030 from $191 billion.
The talks, ongoing since March, face hurdles in agriculture and auto sectors, with the U.S. seeking duty concessions on dairy, apples, and genetically modified crops, while India pushes for textiles, gems, and shrimp. Despite challenges, both sides aim for a “win-win” interim deal.
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