Nirmala Sitharaman Says India-US Trade Deal in Final Stages: “Efforts Being Made, Results Awaited”
FM Sitharaman confirms India-US trade deal talks advancing despite 50% tariff row.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said negotiations toward the long-awaited India-US trade deal are progressing and that both nations are “making efforts” to secure a mutually beneficial agreement. Speaking at the 12th SBI Banking and Economic Conclave in Mumbai, Sitharaman confirmed that discussions are underway, though final results have not yet been reached.
“The efforts are being made towards the conclusion of a trade deal between India and the United States. We are waiting for the final results,” Sitharaman said during her address, signaling cautious optimism about the ongoing diplomatic and trade-level engagements. The statement comes amid renewed expectations of easing economic frictions between the two countries, particularly regarding tariffs and market access.
The dialogue has gained significance against the backdrop of the United States imposing a steep 50 percent punitive tariff on certain Indian exports. The move had prompted India to seek parity and protection for its domestic industries while advancing talks to establish fairer trade terms. Analysts believe that successful negotiations could help unlock new opportunities in sectors such as technology, defense, and renewable energy—areas where both nations have shown expanding collaboration.
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The Finance Minister’s remarks reflect a careful balancing act, underscoring India’s commitment to constructive engagement without compromising its trade interests. She emphasized that India remains open to partnerships that align with its domestic manufacturing goals under the “Make in India” initiative, while ensuring transparency and reciprocity in trade flows.
The upcoming months are expected to be crucial, as trade officials from both sides iron out critical differences before the year-end. A successful agreement could mark a turning point in bilateral relations, strengthening economic ties between the world’s largest and fastest-growing democracies and signaling a renewed phase of strategic cooperation in global trade dynamics.
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