US talks proceeding cordially: Officials

{ BILATERAL TRADE DISCUSSIONS

- Rajeev Jayaswal

India’s commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal has concluded two-day discussions with US officials in a cordial atmosphere that would lay pathways for constructive and mutually beneficial bilateral trade talks, two people aware of the development said.

Agrawal is already on his way back to New Delhi and expected to land in the capital on Sunday, the people said, asking not to be named. The commerce secretary had joined the Indian delegation in the US on Thursday for trade talks.

Commerce minister Piyush Goyal, speaking separately at a press briefing on Saturday, confirmed that the most recent meetings had been cordial, but emphasised that New Delhi is committed to a mutually beneficial trade agreement while protecting India’s farmers, fishermen and micro, small and medium enterprises.