US, India Push to Finalise Interim Trade Pact After Trump-Modi Meeting
Meetings with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal aim to finalize framework for first phase of bilateral trade agreement
New Delhi, June 22: United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is set to visit India this week for high-level discussions aimed at advancing the proposed interim trade pact between the two countries.
During his visit, Greer will hold talks with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and other senior Indian officials as both sides work towards finalizing the first phase of the broader US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
The visit follows a round of negotiator level discussions held in New Delhi from June 2 to 4, which focused on resolving outstanding issues and preparing the groundwork for an early agreement.
In a statement, the Office of the US Trade Representative said Greer’s meetings would focus on carrying forward commitments made under the joint vision outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump earlier this year.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said several rounds of engagements have been scheduled between Greer and Goyal to accelerate progress on the proposed trade arrangement.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal recently indicated that the discussions are expected to concentrate on giving final shape to the framework of the deal. Earlier this month, Goyal expressed confidence that both countries were moving steadily toward concluding the initial phase of the BTA, with the agreement likely to be ready by mid-July.
Following his India visit, Greer will travel to Uzbekistan for meetings with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, senior administration officials and Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev. The discussions there will focus on strengthening trade ties and promoting reciprocal market access between the two countries.
