 "India–US trade talks get a boost: Trump's trade envoy's visit signals momentum in bilateral pact dialogue")
India and the US held productive talks on trade and economic ties during Deputy US Trade Representative Ambassador Rick Switzer’s visit to the country from December 9 to 11.
During his first visit to India since assuming office, Switzer met Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, and other senior Indian officials. The two sides engaged in negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement.
Earlier this week, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told Congress that the Indian proposal is “ the best we’ve ever received as a country” in ongoing trade talks.
In a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Greer said that the latest proposal from India has been the best so far.
Greer said that “they’ve been quite forward-leaning” and added that India could become “a viable alternative market” for US commodities at a time when American farmers are facing inventories and fluctuating demand from China
Earlier this year, Trump plunged the India-US relationship to its lowest point in decades with his hostile policies towards India. Firstly, he undermined India on Operation Sindoor, sought to meddle in the Kashmir issue, and sided with Pakistan. Secondly, he slapped India with 50 per cent tariffs — the highest in the world.
US should sign the FTA
The U.S. should sign the free trade agreement with India on the “dotted lines” if Washington is happy with what has been offered by New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.
Goyal welcomed the Trump administration’s views on India’s offer, but refrained from giving a deadline for the signing of the long-awaited free trade agreement between the two nations.
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View All“His happiness is very much welcome. And, I do believe that if they are very happy, they should be signing on the dotted lines,” Goyal told reporters in Mumbai.
PM Modi holds call with Trump
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a “very warm and engaging” conversation with US President Donald Trump on Thursday.
“We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity,” Modi said in a post on X.
In the conversation, Modi and Trump exchanged views on expanding cooperation in trade, critical technologies, energy, defence and security, according to a statement carried by CNN-News 18.
With inputs from agencies
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