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India, US reaffirm commitment to reach trade agreement (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: India and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to concluding a bilateral trade agreement following the completion of four days of high-level discussions in New Delhi.
According to an official government statement, a delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), led by the US chief negotiator, visited India from June 1 to June 4 to advance ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.
The discussions are being viewed as a significant step towards an interim trade deal aimed at strengthening economic and commercial ties between the two strategic partners.
Officials said the talks covered multiple key areas, including trade in goods, non-tariff measures, customs and trade facilitation, economic security alignment and other issues of mutual interest.
The government described the negotiations as “constructive and positive,” adding that both sides approached the discussions with a spirit of cooperation and pragmatism.
In its statement, the government said both countries remain committed to reaching a “mutually beneficial agreement” that would further deepen bilateral trade and economic engagement.
The negotiations come at a sensitive time as the United States has raised concerns regarding forced labour-related imports involving several countries, including India.
Earlier this week, the Office of the United States Trade Representative stated that around 60 economies had failed to effectively prohibit imports produced through forced labour practices.
India was listed among 54 countries identified by the USTR in connection with the issue. Other countries mentioned included China, Bangladesh, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
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US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the failure of trading partners to address such imports creates unfair competition for American workers and businesses.
The ongoing negotiations are considered strategically important for both nations as India and the US continue expanding cooperation across trade, technology, manufacturing and supply chains.
With global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions affecting international commerce, both countries are aiming to improve market access, streamline trade procedures and strengthen long-term economic cooperation.
Officials indicated that further rounds of discussions are expected in the coming months as negotiators work toward finalising the proposed agreement.
