NEW DELHI : India and the United States remain actively engaged in negotiations aimed at finalizing a balanced and commercially meaningful bilateral trade agreement, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal has reaffirmed, dismissing media reports suggesting that India was delaying the talks.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Shri Goyal described recent discussions with United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer as “fantastic” and reiterated the commitment of both countries to conclude an agreement that delivers tangible benefits for businesses, farmers, workers, and consumers on both sides.
The Minister clarified that reports claiming India had rejected an interim trade agreement with the United States were “completely false, baseless and misleading.” He emphasized that negotiating teams from both nations remain fully engaged in advancing the proposed trade pact.
The comments come amid ongoing discussions between the two countries to strengthen economic and trade relations through a comprehensive bilateral agreement. USTR Jamieson Greer visited New Delhi from June 22 to 24, during which multiple rounds of talks were held with Shri Goyal and senior officials to address key outstanding issues.
Providing an update on the progress of negotiations, Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal stated that discussions are moving forward smoothly and without any significant hurdles. He noted that the framework for the agreement is already in place and that the deal will be signed at an appropriate time once both sides are satisfied with the outcome.
“The framework deal is ready. Whenever it is the right time, the appropriate time, the deal will be signed,” Shri Agrawal said.
On the ongoing investigations by the USTR under Section 301, the Commerce Secretary informed that India has submitted its response concerning allegations related to the use of forced labour. He added that the final findings of the investigation are expected later this month.
Regarding the separate USTR investigation into excess industrial capacity, Shri Agrawal said that once the draft report is released, the final outcome is expected within four to six weeks.
The continued engagement reflects the shared commitment of India and the United States to deepen trade and economic cooperation while working toward a mutually beneficial and balanced trade framework.
