India and the United States are intensifying efforts to secure a mutually beneficial trade agreement, with a high-level Indian negotiating team currently in the US to hammer out details. Government sources revealed on October 15, 2025, that discussions are focused on achieving a "win-win solution" to address trade and tariff issues, despite the steep 50 percent tariffs imposed by the US on Indian exports earlier this year. The talks, which have seen "good progress," aim to meet a fall 2025 deadline for the first phase of the deal, signaling a pivotal moment in bilateral relations.

The negotiations follow a series of high-profile engagements, including Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to New York last month, where he met with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor. Five rounds of talks have already been completed, with ongoing discussions between US Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch and his Indian counterpart Rajesh Agrawal. Sources emphasized that both trade and non-trade issues are on the table, with export growth to the US showing resilience despite tariff challenges.

Bilateral trade between India and the US, valued at $131.84 billion in 2024-25, underscores the stakes of these negotiations. The US remains India’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year, accounting for 18 percent of India’s goods exports and 10.73 percent of its total merchandise trade. The talks aim to sustain this momentum while addressing tariff barriers and fostering deeper economic ties.

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The urgency of the negotiations was further highlighted during a recent conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on October 9, 2025. While congratulating Trump on the Gaza peace plan, Modi noted the positive trajectory of the trade talks. With both nations committed to a swift and equitable agreement, the outcome of these discussions could reshape India-US economic relations for years to come.

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