India, US review trade talks but no clarity on interim agreement ahead of tariff deadline

India and the US reviewed progress on a proposed interim trade agreement during ministerial talks in New Delhi, focusing on market access and digital trade. However, both sides gave no clarity on resolving differences ahead of a key tariff deadline

New Delhi: India and the United States reviewed progress on an interim bilateral trade agreement during a two-day ministerial meeting, discussing issues including market access, digital trade, and non-tariff barriers, but gave no indication that all differences had been resolved ahead of a key tariff deadline next month.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and visiting US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer held discussions on the first phase of a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), which both sides have been negotiating since reaching a framework understanding earlier this year.

In a statement at the conclusion of talks on Wednesday, the Commerce Ministry said the two ministers conducted a “comprehensive review” of key elements of the proposed pact, including enhanced market access, digital trade, supply chain resilience, reduction of non-tariff barriers, and cooperation in strategic sectors.

The ministry said both countries discussed pathways to conclude an interim agreement and reaffirmed their commitment to a deal that is “balanced and commercially meaningful”.

Greer’s June 22–24 visit comes at a time when New Delhi and Washington are racing to finalise an interim arrangement before the expiration of a temporary 10 per cent US tariff regime on July 24, a deadline that has added urgency to negotiations.

While the statement said “substantial” progress has been made, the two sides did not say whether outstanding issues had been resolved.

“Discussions focused on pathways to conclude an interim agreement as an important milestone toward a comprehensive BTA,” the ministry said, adding that the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a trade agreement that is balanced, commercially meaningful, and delivers tangible benefits for businesses, farmers, workers, and consumers in both countries.

“Recognising the growing significance of the India-US economic partnership amid evolving global trade dynamics, both sides reiterated their shared goal of expanding bilateral trade, fostering innovation, and building resilient, trusted supply chains,” it added.

Earlier in the day, Goyal said in a social media post that the two sides reviewed progress in ongoing India-US trade discussions.

“I appreciate Ambassador Greer’s leadership and the sustained efforts of both teams in advancing our discussions in a constructive and forward-looking manner,” Goyal said.

Meanwhile, the USTR said India has a long history of agriculture and manufacturing and is moving forward in technology.

“They want to move forward in AI. They want to cooperate and collaborate with the United States on the technologies of the future and trade of the future. And that’s some of the exciting opportunities that we’ll have between the United States and India, to capitalise on that,” he said.

Greer added that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have an “amazing” relationship nurtured over many years.

“Just last week, they met at the G7 in Evian, France, and I was there, and they agreed to take the relationship to the next level. This includes the trade deal we’re working on, but it includes every aspect of the relationship,” he said.