India not desperate for early US trade deal

According to sources, dairy and agriculture remain the most contentious issue between the two countries

- DIPAK MONDAL @ New Delhi

INDIA is not desperate for an "interim" trade deal with the US before the July 9, 2025 deadline, commerce ministry sources have said. An official from the ministry said though the efforts are on for closure of a deal before deadline, India will not compromise on its interest in order to finalize an early deal.

The official said talks are on, and a team of Indian negotiators will soon go to the US for further talks. He said the original deadline for completion of the first tranche remains September-October, but the Indian government is hoping for an early "interim" deal to avoid a 26% reciprocal tariff that the US government has threatened India with.