New Delhi, March 29, 2025 – India and the United States are moving closer to finalizing the first phase of their Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the end of 2025, according to the Commerce Ministry.The announcement follows four days of discussions between India’s Department of Commerce and the US Trade Representative (USTR) in New Delhi. The meetings, held from March 26-29, stem from the India-US joint statement on February 13, 2025. In that statement, both nations pledged to expand bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
Key Outcomes of the Trade Talks
✔ Improved Market Access – Both sides discussed ways to ease trade barriers and enhance supply chain integration.
✔ Tariff & Non-Tariff Reductions – The negotiations focused on lowering trade restrictions to encourage business growth.
✔ Sector-Specific Engagements – Officials agreed to hold virtual expert-level talks in the coming weeks before face-to-face negotiations.
High-Level Engagements & Diplomatic Push
The latest discussions follow Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Washington, DC, from March 4-6. There, he met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to advance negotiations.
Since then, frequent video conferences have helped maintain momentum. Both sides remain committed to sealing the agreement within the proposed timeline.
Strengthening India-US Trade Relations
Both India and the US expressed satisfaction with the progress. Officials believe this agreement will unlock new business opportunities, boost investments, and strengthen economic cooperation.
The Bilateral Trade Agreement represents a significant milestone in the growing economic ties between New Delhi and Washington.
