India & US to push for early trade deal: Govt

THE GOVERNMENT ON Friday said efforts were on to "achieve early conclusion" of an India-US trade pact, much awaited by the industry and exporters.

- MUKESH JAGOTA

However, a statement issued by the commerce and industry ministry in the wake of the recent visit of an Indian delegation led by commerce minister Piyush Goyal to the US didn't mention any breakthrough. Some reports said the US side was insistent that India cease import of oil from Russia for a resolution of the standoff.

"The (Indian) delegation had constructive meetings with the US government on various aspects of the deal. Both sides exchanged views on possible contours of the deal and it was decided to continue the engagements with a view to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement," the ministry said in a statement.