New Delhi, May 15: A high-level team of US officials is likely to visit India next month to advance ongoing bilateral trade discussions. However, the exact dates for this visit have not yet been finalized, as confirmed by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal on Friday.
In April, a team from India’s Ministry of Commerce traveled to Washington, where they held multiple rounds of meetings with their American counterparts. The objective of these discussions was to finalize the details of an interim trade pact, which is set to be signed before a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement (BTA).
Rajesh Aggarwal stated to reporters, “We expect the US team to visit India soon… possibly next month.”
He further emphasized that trade talks between India and the US are ongoing, and the agreement will be signed at the appropriate time.
On Monday, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, reiterated the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations with India.
Sergio Gor posted on social media platform X, stating, “We are committed to increasing trade opportunities, reducing regulatory barriers, and encouraging Indian companies to invest in the US, benefiting both nations.”
Previously, Gor mentioned that under President Trump, record levels of investment are flowing into the US. Indian companies are planning to invest over $20.5 billion in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
He noted that this includes 12 Indian companies that announced a $1.1 billion investment on May 6. He remarked, “These partnerships are creating real jobs in the US and building strong supply chains. This proves that when the world’s two largest democracies trade together, everyone benefits.”
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated on April 24 that significant progress was made on key issues such as market access, non-tariff barriers, technical trade obstacles, customs and trade facilitation, investment incentives, economic security, and digital trade during recent talks in Washington.
The Indian delegation held discussions with US officials from April 20 to 23.
According to the ministry’s statement, “The meetings took place in a positive and constructive atmosphere. Meaningful discussions were held with a forward-looking perspective, enabling progress on key issues. Both sides agreed to maintain continuous contact to sustain this momentum.”
On February 7, India and the US issued a joint statement agreeing on a framework for an interim agreement aimed at mutual and beneficial trade, reiterating their commitment to continue negotiations for a comprehensive India-US bilateral trade agreement.
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