Commerce secy-led team heads to US for trade talks

A team of officials led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal is set to travel to Washington later this week, with a focus on reaching an early conclusion of the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States (US), a senior government official said on Monday.

- SHREYA NANDI

"Discussions between India and the US are moving in a positive direction. A team will visit Washington this week. As we have said earlier, the first tranche of the BTA (bilateral trade agreement) will be finalised by the fall (of 2025)," the official said.

The official added that India was looking to increase its purchase of gas from the US, as the country might require more energy products in the long term. Stepping up such imports could also help address Washington's longstanding concern over the trade deficit with India, which stood at $40.89 billion during FY25.

A team from the US Trade Representative (USTR) had been planning to come to Delhi for an official round of talks in October. However, amid the ongoing US government shutdown, the Indian delegation will instead travel to Washington to hold an in-person discussion round.