Overview
- A U.S. delegation led by Deputy USTR Rick Switzer is in New Delhi for two days of face‑to‑face negotiations on a phased Bilateral Trade Agreement.
- USTR Jamieson Greer told Senators India has presented the “best offers” the U.S. has received, while noting continued resistance on certain row crops and meats.
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said discussions are progressing, as Switzer met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal alongside chief negotiator Brendan Lynch.
- India seeks relief from steep U.S. duties that reached about 50% after a 25% tariff was doubled with an additional penalty linked to purchases of Russian crude.
- Talks are proceeding on a tariff‑focused framework alongside a broader BTA, with both sides targeting stronger supply chains and a longer‑term goal to lift trade toward $500 billion by 2030.