India, US make positive progress in trade talks; both sides to remain engaged

Talks covered market access, non-tariff measures, technical barriers to trade, customs and trade facilitation, investment promotion, economic security alignment and digital trade

- MPOST BUREAU

India and the United States made what the government described as positive progress in three days of trade talks in Washington this week, with both sides agreeing to stay in touch to preserve the momentum as negotiations move ahead.

Around a dozen Indian officials were in the US capital from April 20 to 22 for discussions with American counterparts on finalising the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement, or BTA. The commerce ministry said the talks covered market access, non-tariff measures, technical barriers to trade, customs and trade facilitation, investment promotion, economic security alignment and digital trade.

"The meetings were conducted in a constructive and positive spirit, with meaningful and forward-looking discussions enabling progress on key matters. Both sides agreed to remain engaged to maintain this momentum as they move forward," the ministry said in a statement.