India–US BTA: Talks advancing smoothly; another round of negotiations may not be required, says govt official

The India-US bilateral trade deal seems to be approaching its another stage, with officials indicating that no further round of negotiations may be needed.

At an event on Tuesday, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted that while discussions are moving in a positive direction, the government continues to prioritise safeguarding India’s key interests and sensitive sectors during the process.

India-US Bilateral trade deal progressing well. BTA with the US will be the most comprehensive, most detailed, and WTO (World Trade Organisation) compliant. Negotiations with the US are conducted with sensitive issues and sectors in mind. Another round of negotiations may not be required, government official told ANI.

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Trump hints at imminent trade breakthrough

The optimism was echoed by US President Donald Trump. He hinted that Washington and New Delhi were “pretty close” to finalising a fair and balanced trade deal. Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of Sergio Gor as the new US Ambassador to India, Trump remarked, “We’re making a deal with India — much different than we had. Right now, they don’t love me, but they will love us again. We’re getting a fair deal. They’re very good negotiators, so Sergio, you’ll have to take a look at that.”

Talks advancing steadily, says Goyal

Earlier on November 5, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that discussions on the BTA were “going on very well,” though several sensitive issues remain under consideration. “There are many serious and sensitive issues, so naturally, it takes some time,” Goyal told ANI.

Five rounds of negotiations completed

Since March, five rounds of talks have been completed for the first phase of the trade deal, initially targeted for completion by the fall of 2025. Both sides held a virtual discussion on October 23 to push the process forward. Proposed in February 2025, the BTA seeks to more than double bilateral trade—from USD 191 billion currently to USD 500 billion by 2030.

High-level engagement continues

Commerce Minister Goyal led a high-level delegation to the US in September, accompanied by Special Secretary and India’s Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agrawal. Around the same time, US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch led an American team to New Delhi for “positive and forward-looking” talks. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to concluding a “mutually beneficial” trade agreement that strengthens economic cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies.