Kathmandu: India and the United States held a day of trade discussions on Tuesday, raising hopes that stalled negotiations on a bilateral agreement could soon resume.
A US delegation led by trade negotiator Brendan Lynch met officials from India’s commerce ministry in Delhi. While India described the meeting as a “discussion” rather than a formal negotiating round, both sides signaled interest in finding common ground.
Talks have been frozen since US President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, citing Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil and weapons. The move, which India has criticized as “unfair,” strained ties between the two allies and hit key export sectors such as garments, shrimp, and gems.
Despite the tensions, recent statements from both capitals have sounded more conciliatory. US trade adviser Peter Navarro said on Monday that “India is coming to the table,” while Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged optimistic messages on social media last week, describing the two countries as “close friends and natural partners.”
Trump’s nominee for US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, told lawmakers that a deal could be finalized “in the next weeks,” noting that negotiators were working through “the nitty-gritty.”
Key sticking points remain, particularly in agriculture and dairy. Washington has long pressed for greater access to India’s farm sector, while New Delhi insists such protections are vital for food security and the livelihoods of millions of small farmers.
-BBC