BTA talks may gain momentum

THE 90-DAY REPRIEVE on reciprocal tariffs gives a crucial window for India to conclude significant parts of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US so that trade can flow smoothly between the two countries.

- FE BUREAU

Official sources feel that the window will put pressure on negotiators on both sides to speed up the talks.

"India should restrict the scope of FTA to tariff reductions only and avoid a comprehensive FTA with the US as it would force India to make damaging concessions in areas like patent regime, agriculture and digital trade," founder of Global Trade Research Initiative, Ajay Srivastava said.