Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal urged Washington to sign the proposed free trade agreement if it is satisfied with New Delhi’s offer. He welcomed the Trump administration’s positive signals but avoided setting any deadline for the long-pending pact.
Goyal responded to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who described India’s proposal as the “best ever” received by the US. The minister declined to reveal details of the offer but confirmed that both countries completed five negotiation rounds.
US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer met Indian officials during his first visit to India. Goyal described the meetings as an effort to strengthen understanding rather than formal negotiations.
Talks between Switzer and Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal explored trade and economic issues, including progress toward a bilateral trade agreement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump also discussed strengthening economic ties in a recent phone call.
The US has imposed steep tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian goods, citing trade deficit concerns and India’s purchase of Russian crude. Indian exporters hope the upcoming deal will ease tariff pressures, especially since the US accounts for 18 percent of India’s exports.
India continues to oppose concessions on agricultural and dairy products to protect farmers and MSMEs.
