'Easier to negotiate with India, trade talks moving smoothly,' says US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

Trade negotiations between India and the United States are progressing positively, with both nations eyeing the finalisation of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by Fall 2025. its transparent tariff structure. United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, on Tuesday said the talks are “moving well” and noted that negotiating with India is easier compared to many other countries due to

“We are very close on India and it is easier to negotiate with India than many other countries because they have very high tariffs... So it is much easier to confront the direct tariffs as we go through these unfair trade deals that have been put in over decades... So I think the Indian negotiations are moving well,” Bessent said during a press briefing, news agency ANI reported.

He further pointed out that non-tariff barriers are often harder to detect and tackle. “Non-tariff trade barriers can be much more insidious and also harder to detect. So, a country like India, which has posted and ready tariffs, makes it much easier to negotiate with them,” he added.

JD Vance’s India visit a boost

Bessent also highlighted the role of recent high-level engagements in pushing forward the talks. “US Vice President JD Vance was in India last week. He and PM Modi made some very good progress, so I could see some announcements on India," he said.

India confirms ‘fruitful’ discussions

India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry also echoed optimism, stating that the BTA discussions with the US are making “positive progress”. As part of the ongoing dialogue, representatives from India’s Department of Commerce and the Office of the US Trade Representative met in Washington DC from April 23 to 25, following earlier rounds of discussions in New Delhi in March.

The ministry release said both sides engaged on a wide range of issues, including tariff and non-tariff matters, with discussions aimed at paving the way for the first tranche of the agreement. Talks also explored early mutual wins in multiple sectors.

While expert-level meetings have already taken place virtually, in-person sectoral engagements are scheduled to begin from the end of May. The ongoing negotiations are aligned with the Leaders’ Statement of February 2025 to strengthen bilateral trade ties and enhance supply chain cooperation.

PM Modi had visited the US in February this year and held bilateral talks with President Trump, setting the tone for deeper economic collaboration.  

(With inputs from ANI)