A delegation from India, led by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, will begin discussions with their US counterparts on the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) in Washington from May 17, according to an official statement on Tuesday.
During his visit, Piyush Goyal is expected to meet US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. The four-day negotiations (from May 17 to 20) come at a time when both countries are looking to finalize the first phase of the trade deal by September–October this year, aiming to establish an interim trade framework to ensure “initial mutual benefits” in the trade of goods.
Sources indicate that the key representatives of both nations will continue discussions from May 19 to 22. Goyal is scheduled to arrive in Washington on May 16.
One of the major points of discussion will be India’s counter-tariff proposal on certain American goods in response to the US-imposed tariffs on Indian steel and aluminum. Through these talks, both sides hope to reach a consensus on a 90-day suspension of high tariffs.
The US has suspended an additional 26% tariff on Indian goods until July 9, a move announced on April 2 to help reduce the growing trade deficit. However, the original 10% base tariff still remains in effect.
