Milwaukee, September 29 (Daily Kiran) : India’s Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, is set to embark on a significant visit to the United States, aimed at advancing the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) between India and the U.S. This visit is seen as crucial as both nations work towards finalizing a balanced and mutually beneficial trade deal. A key highlight will be Goyal’s meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer.
Goyal will participate in the G20 Trade Ministers’ meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 30 and October 1, at the invitation of the U.S. trade representative. It is anticipated that discussions between India and the U.S. on the sidelines of this meeting could pave the way for substantial progress on the trade agreement.
According to an official statement, both countries are also aiming to finalize an interim trade agreement in line with a joint statement released on February 7, 2026. India seeks not only reduced import duties for its exporters but also clear tariff advantages compared to competing nations, enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian products.
During the G20 meeting, India will advocate for a rules-based, open, inclusive, transparent, equitable, and non-discriminatory global trading system under the World Trade Organization (WTO). The country will emphasize the need for sufficient policy flexibility for developing nations.
Earlier this month, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal indicated that the framework for the India-U.S. trade agreement is nearly complete. Both nations are now focusing on establishing a structure that allows for priority-based market access before formalizing the agreement.
Aggarwal noted that India operates primarily under a Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff system, while the U.S. currently applies tariffs through executive orders. Therefore, both countries need to develop a system that can bridge tariff differences and provide mutual preferential market access for Indian and American companies.
During his visit, Goyal will engage in various bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening trade and investment relations. These meetings will focus on creating new opportunities for farmers, fishermen, women entrepreneurs, startups, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and other business sectors.
Additionally, the Commerce Minister will meet with senior executives from major American companies in Milwaukee and Chicago across manufacturing, consumer goods, agriculture, retail, and technology sectors. Discussions are expected to cover topics such as investment in India, production expansion, technological collaboration, and supply chain partnerships.
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