Overview

• An Indian delegation headed by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal is set to travel to Washington next week to resume talks on an interim trade deal and the first phase of a broader bilateral agreement.
• President Trump extended the 26% reciprocal tariff deadline from July 9 to August 1, granting negotiators additional time to reach a mini deal.
• Unresolved disputes center on U.S. demands for greater market access in Indian agriculture, dairy and automotive sectors, which New Delhi views as politically sensitive.
• India is pressing for duty concessions on labour-intensive exports such as textiles, leather goods and chemicals in exchange for cuts on industrial and auto tariffs.
• Both governments aim to conclude the first phase of the Bilateral Trade Agreement by September–October to support a joint goal of doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.