Indian Officials Return to Washington to Revive Crucial Trade Talks, Sources Reveal – BusinessToday

Indian officials are gearing up to return to Washington to continue trade talks, according to insiders. They are currently working on what could be a significant interim trade deal.

An official mentioned, “Our focus remains on the interim deal and the broader bilateral trade agreement.”

This past month, the Indian trade delegation, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, wrapped up discussions in Washington. While there was some progress, lingering issues in the agriculture and automotive sectors need more attention.

The recent talks took place from June 26 to July 2, just before the expiry of certain tariffs imposed by the US. President Donald Trump extended the deadline from July 9 to August 1, giving both parties a bit more time to sort things out.

India is pushing for its products to be exempt from new tariffs while also protecting sensitive sectors like dairy. This is causing some tension in negotiations. Additionally, India is advocating for concessions in labor-intensive industries, including textiles, gems, and chemicals.

The hope is that this interim agreement could pave the way for a larger trade deal expected by late this year. The goal? To increase bilateral trade from the current $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030.

On the flip side, the US is looking for lower duties on industrial goods, particularly electric vehicles, and various agricultural products. Yet, India’s strong stance on dairy—an area with considerable political implications—adds complexity to the discussions.

Recent trends show that public interest in these negotiations is high on social media, with users expressing strong opinions about trade policies. According to a recent survey, nearly 60% of Americans view trade talks as crucial for economic growth.

Overall, both sides have significant stakes in these discussions, and the outcomes will likely impact not just trade but also broader economic relations.

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