US, India step up talks on trade and ties; Trump aide lands in Delhi

With President Donald Trump’s two senior-most trade officials arriving in Delhi this week, India-US trade talks are set to pick up pace.

A US delegation led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer and Brendan Lynch, who has been the chief negotiator in ongoing trade talks, will arrive in Delhi this week to hold talks with an Indian delegation led by Union Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, according to The Indian Express.

These talks will be aimed at ironing out differences to sign a bilateral trade agreement by the end of the month, a source told the newspaper.

Sources said that India last month submitted its final proposal to the Trump administration and final set of differences are expected to be resolved only with the intervention of the political leadership.

More from World

How much will it cost to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad? Putin’s visit delivers a big message: India has options, Russia is not isolated

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.

But there have been signs that the relationship could stabilise despite tensions. For one, a string of senior US officials has arrived in India lately.

Senior US official in India for foreign office consultations

In addition to Switzer’s delegation, Allison Hooker, the Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, is also in India where she will hold talks in Delhi and Bengaluru.

Hooker will hold foreign office consultations with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to review bilateral cooperation on a range of issues like the commercial relationship ahead of the trade delegation’s visit, according to a statement from the US embassy.

Quick Reads

View All

‘Beggar thy neighbour’: The problem with cheap Chinese exports flooding the world

Chinese court orders $3.3 million in compensation to families of missing MH370 passengers

“Undersecretary Hooker’s visit will focus on advancing the US-India strategic partnership, deepening economic and commercial ties, including increasing American exports, and fostering collaboration in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and space exploration,” the embassy said.

Outside of trade, Hooker will meet Indian officials to discuss “regional security, economic cooperation, and shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific, including through” the foreign office consultations’ framework, the statement said.

In Bengaluru, Hooker will visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and meet leaders from India’s space, energy, and technology sectors to promote innovation in US-India research partnerships and to explore opportunities for expanded cooperation, according to the embassy.