India and US report ‘positive and constructive’ progress on interim trade agreement talks

India and the United States have described their latest round of discussions on an interim bilateral trade agreement as “positive and constructive,” signalling continued momentum in efforts to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India said on Friday that both sides remain committed to taking the proposed trade deal forward following a recent visit by a delegation from the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The US team, led by its chief negotiator, was in New Delhi from June 1 to June 4 for talks with Indian counterparts.

According to the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the discussions between the visiting delegation from the United States Trade Representative and Indian interlocutors were “positive and constructive.” He added that the conversations reflected a shared understanding to continue progressing toward a mutually beneficial agreement.

The visit came at a crucial stage in negotiations, following remarks by US ambassador Sergio Gor that only a small portion of the proposed deal remains unresolved and that Washington expects the agreement to be finalised in the coming weeks.

Officials noted that the talks covered a broad range of areas, including trade in goods, non-tariff barriers, customs procedures, trade facilitation measures, and coordination on economic security issues. Both sides are attempting to align their positions on regulatory frameworks and market access issues as part of the broader framework for an interim agreement.

The Indian government has previously indicated its willingness to advance a structured trade arrangement with the United States, as part of a wider strategy to deepen economic cooperation. A joint statement issued on February 7 had already outlined a framework for an interim trade agreement and reaffirmed the long-term goal of a comprehensive bilateral trade pact.

The recent round of discussions builds on that framework, with both countries continuing technical-level engagement on detailed provisions. The Ministry of External Affairs, India said the tone of the meetings reflected cooperation and pragmatism, with a focus on resolving outstanding issues in a structured manner.

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India said the engagement demonstrated renewed commitment on both sides to concluding a balanced agreement that would enhance bilateral trade and economic integration. It added that the discussions are aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience and improving market access for businesses in both countries.

The United States and India have both emphasized the strategic importance of their trade relationship, which has expanded significantly over the past decade. Negotiators are now working to convert political alignment into concrete trade outcomes through a phased agreement approach.

As talks continue, officials on both sides are expected to maintain close contact in the coming weeks to address remaining issues and move closer to finalisation of the interim framework.