Finance
Trade discussions between India and the United States started on Tuesday, with US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch visiting the Commerce Ministry amid a thaw in relations between the two countries.
The Indian trade negotiators are directed by Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary to the Department of Commerce.
According to Commerce Ministry sources, trade conversations are ongoing at various levels, and the next line of action would be determined following the trade talks with US Chief Negotiator Lynch.
When it comes to trade difficulties, both sides approach them with optimism. The teams are scheduled to discuss all outstanding problems relating to the trade agreement. Certain situations are handled diplomatically, and the MEA is also involved.
Lynch’s visit comes as expectations of a trade deal have been boosted by positive messages by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after days of bitter stalemate.
Trump said on a Truth Social post on September 9, that talks were continuing and “I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries”.
Calling PM Modi a “great friend”, he said he would be talking to him.
PM Modi responded to Trump’s post, saying “I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership”.
He added that he was looking forward to talking with Trump.
Sergio Gor, the US nominee for ambassador to India, told a Senate panel examining his candidacy last week that India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal was expected in Washington, DC, to meet with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Meanwhile, India’s merchandise trade deficit fell to $26.49 billion in August, from $27.35 billion in July.
Despite global and trade policy concerns, Indian exporters have performed successfully. It demonstrates how the government’s policy has paid off.
