India and US making progress towards trade deal officials say

NEW DELHI - Indian and US officials discussed trade issues, including the reduction of tariffs and easing of non-tariff barriers, making progress towards a bilateral trade agreement during several days of talks in New Delhi, they said on March 29.

The negotiations, led by officials from India’s Commerce Ministry and a US trade delegation headed by Mr Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, were held from March 26 to 29.

Separately, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau spoke with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri about efforts to reduce trade barriers and achieve a “fair and balanced bilateral trade relationship”, while also strengthening defence and technology cooperation to bolster regional security.

Mr Landau thanked India for its efforts in addressing illegal immigration to the US and urged continued cooperation, the US Department of State said in a statement.

The talks come as US President Donald Trump prepares to impose reciprocal tariffs on multiple trading partners from April 2, with India hoping for an exemption amid the bilateral talks. Both countries aim to sign the first tranche of a bilateral trade deal by autumn.

“The successful conclusion of the discussions reflects progress in efforts to expand India-US bilateral trade and investment relations to promote prosperity, security and innovation in both countries,” a statement by India’s Commerce Ministry said.

In February, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, India pledged to boost purchases of US energy products and defence equipment, and the two sides agreed to aim for a deal targeting bilateral trade of US$500 billion (S$671 billion) by 2030.

Mr Trump has called India a “tariff king”, with the US wanting India to reduce levies on products ranging from agricultural goods and alcoholic beverages to automobiles, and seeking greater market access for US companies.

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