Top US negotiator Lynch arrives, trade talks resume today

High-level discussions between India and the US are set to resume on Tuesday, 16 September, as the two countries take the first steps to revive a stalled trade deal after a period of friction.

- Dhirendra Kumar & Rhik Kundu

The engagement comes after months of tension over tariffs and market access, after both sides lately signalled a willingness to explore solutions and deepen economic ties.

At a media briefing along with other senior ministry officials, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said Washington's chief negotiator is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi late Monday to meet with his Indian counterpart.

"On the trade front, the team led by the [US] chief negotiator will be coming to India, and based on those discussions, further course of action will be decided. Overall, there is a positive frame of mind in both countries with respect to trade issues," Barthwal said, adding that trade discussions with the US were continuing at multiple levels-including diplomatic, ministerial, and at the level of chief negotiators.

The two chief negotiators-Brendan Lynch, assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asia, and Rajesh Agrawal, special secretary in India's commerce department-will meet on Tuesday in the national capital.