India and the United States have taken another significant step toward strengthening their economic partnership, with both countries reviewing progress on a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) during the visit of U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to New Delhi.
Greer, who led an official U.S. delegation to India from June 22 to 24, held a series of discussions with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal aimed at advancing negotiations on a comprehensive trade pact and finalizing an interim agreement.
The visit is being viewed as an important milestone in ongoing efforts by both nations to deepen trade and economic cooperation under the framework outlined in the India-US joint statement issued on February 7, 2026, which said that they have finalized a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement aimed at promoting reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade between the two countries. The framework reinforces both nations’ commitment to negotiations for a broader India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), launched by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025. The proposed BTA will include additional market access commitments and support more resilient supply chains. The Interim Agreement between the United States and India will represent a historic milestone in our countries’ partnership, demonstrating a common commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes.
Focus on Key Trade Issues
During the talks, the two sides conducted a detailed review of key elements of the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement. Discussions covered a broad range of issues, including enhanced market access, digital trade, supply-chain resilience, reduction of non-tariff barriers and greater cooperation in strategic sectors.
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry said the discussions reflected the growing importance of the India-US economic relationship at a time when global trade patterns and supply chains are undergoing significant transformation.
Both countries acknowledged the substantial progress made by negotiating teams over the past several months through technical consultations and ministerial-level engagements.
Interim Deal in Sight
A major focus of the meetings was identifying pathways to conclude an interim trade agreement that could serve as a stepping stone toward a broader and more comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement.
India and the United States reiterated their commitment to crafting a trade arrangement that is balanced, commercially meaningful and beneficial to businesses, farmers, workers and consumers in both countries.
The two sides emphasized that the proposed agreement should create new opportunities for trade and investment while addressing concerns of stakeholders across sectors.
Strengthening Strategic Economic Ties
The discussions also highlighted the expanding scope of the India-US economic partnership, which has increasingly become a key pillar of the broader India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Both governments reaffirmed their shared objective of increasing bilateral trade, promoting innovation and building resilient and trusted supply chains in critical sectors.
With global businesses seeking diversified and reliable supply networks, India and the United States see closer economic cooperation as an opportunity to strengthen long-term growth and competitiveness.
Positive Outlook for Negotiations
At the conclusion of the visit, both sides expressed confidence that ongoing negotiations would further deepen economic engagement between the two countries.
