Pivotal Indo-US Trade Talks: Aiming for Early Wins

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is set to lead a delegation to Washington on a four-day visit starting May 17, engaging in pivotal discussions with US officials about a proposed bilateral trade agreement. These discussions aim to finalize interim trade arrangements for early mutual benefits between the two nations.

The meetings will include sessions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, focusing on strategic advancements in the bilateral trade agreement by fall. Representatives from both countries will leverage the current 90-day tariff pause period to expedite negotiations effectively.

India's proposal to impose retaliatory duties on select US products, alongside demands for duty concessions across labor-intensive sectors, are key areas of focus. Meanwhile, the US seeks tariff reductions in industries such as industrial goods, agriculture, and petrochemicals. This ongoing dialogue reflects India and the US's commitment to enhancing their trade relationship, as the US remains India's largest trading partner.

(With inputs from agencies.)