New Delhi: India and the United States have made progress in negotiations on a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) following a fresh round of talks held in Washington, D.C. from April 20 to 23.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the discussions were constructive and forward-looking, covering key areas such as market access, non-tariff measures, technical barriers to trade, customs and trade facilitation, investment promotion, economic security alignment, and digital trade.
The talks were part of ongoing efforts to finalise an interim trade agreement that will serve as a stepping stone toward a comprehensive BTA. Both sides agreed to continue active engagement to maintain momentum in negotiations.
The latest round builds on a Joint Statement issued on February 7, where both countries outlined a framework for an interim agreement focused on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, while reaffirming their commitment to a broader bilateral trade pact.
Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal indicated that the first phase of the agreement is nearing completion, with India aiming to secure improved market access in the U.S. to boost its competitiveness.
The Indian delegation was led by chief negotiator Darpan Jain, who held detailed discussions with U.S. counterparts over three days to resolve key aspects of the interim deal.
(DD News)