Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that India’s trade negotiations with the United States are progressing positively, underlining the strength of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Speaking in Abu Dhabi at the 13th meeting of the UAE-India High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments, Goyal noted that his recent discussions with the US Assistant USTR were constructive and moving in the right direction.
“The US discussions with the Assistant USTR happened two days back. They were productive and are working on the right track. The US relationship is a very strong, comprehensive strategic partnership between two friendly countries,” he said.
India and the US began talks for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) in March this year, with the first stage of the agreement expected to be completed by October–November 2025.
On Tuesday, Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch held a positive meeting with Commerce Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal in New Delhi to discuss next steps. Both sides agreed to intensify efforts to reach an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial deal.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement that Lynch, who is also the Chief Negotiator for the BTA, led a US delegation that visited India on September 16, 2025. “Acknowledging the enduring importance of bilateral trade between India and the US, the discussions were positive and forward-looking, covering various aspects of the trade deal. It was decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement,” the statement said.
So far, India and the US have held five rounds of negotiations. The proposed sixth round, scheduled for August, was postponed.
Over the past few months, the two countries have also explored the possibility of an interim trade deal. However, trade tensions escalated after US President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in July, followed by an additional 25 per cent tariff in August—bringing the total to 50 per cent—citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil. The new tariffs came into effect on August 27.
India has expressed concerns over the US demand to open up its agriculture and dairy sectors, which remain sensitive areas that provide livelihoods to millions.
Goyal underlined that India’s relationships with different countries remain independent of each other. “As regards the relationship with the UAE, it stands on its own legs. It is underpinned by trust, possibilities, and opportunities. And for India, no two relationships are co-mingled or dependent on each other. The UAE relationship is equally a very important and strategic partnership,” he said.
“There is huge potential to expand trade in the UAE in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, fish and marine products, and leather goods,” he added.
-ANI