U.S.-India Trade Talks: A Path to Resolution Amid Energy Opportunities

India and the United States are poised to resume trade talks this week, with India aiming to import more U.S. energy and gas to address concerns over its Russian oil purchases. The discussions, which were briefly suspended in August following U.S. tariff hikes, now hold promise for a breakthrough.

Negotiations were reinitiated in September after a conciliatory phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that India is keen to enhance its energy imports from the U.S., signaling progress in diplomatic ties.

Both nations conducted constructive talks during an Indian delegation's visit to Washington last month, with a focus on sealing a trade deal to double current bilateral trade by 2030. The trade dialogue, which commenced in February 2025, is set to advance, with the anticipated signing of the first part of the agreement next month.