New Delhi, October 13 (IANS). India and the US are making steady progress in their talks to finalize the first phase of the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA). A team of Indian officials is likely to leave for Washington DC this week for further talks on the trade deal.
A government official said, “The talks between the two countries are progressing in a very good atmosphere.”
India has offered to increase oil and gas imports from the US, which will help offset the trade surplus and also help the country diversify its energy sources to ensure reliable supply amid geopolitical uncertainties.
India is also likely to get more renewable energy technologies from the US as part of the trade package, which will help the country fight climate change.
This development has come to light after the new US Ambassador Sergio Gore took charge at the US Embassy in New Delhi.
Gore met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week and discussed bilateral issues including defence, trade and technology. The importance of critical minerals essential for both the countries was also discussed in the meeting.
Gore said, “The United States values our relationship with India, and under the strong leadership of President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I am optimistic about the future for both countries. President Trump considers Prime Minister Modi a great and personal friend.”
Earlier in September, a team of US officials had visited New Delhi to negotiate a trade deal, following which an Indian delegation led by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal went to Washington.
During the talks with China, India made concessions to the US, including an offer to import more American defense and energy products.
On September 16, a US delegation led by US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch met Indian trade officials led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal in New Delhi amid a thaw in relations following President Trump’s conciliatory stance.
Lynch’s visit comes against the backdrop of rising hopes of a trade deal following positive messages from US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi following days of acrimonious standoff.
Trump said in a post on Truth Social on September 9 that negotiations were continuing and “I have every confidence that there will be no difficulty in reaching a successful conclusion for both of our great countries.”
–IANS
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