India-US Trade Talks, First Since Trump's 50% Tariffs, Went 'Positive, Covered Various Aspects of BTA'

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Delhi: India and the US, who on Tuesday indulged in bilateral trade talks, the first since Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, termed the discussions as 'positive' and 'forward-looking'.In a statement by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the government said, "A team of officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, led by Chief Negotiator for the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations, Brendan Lynch, visited India on September 16, 2025."

"They held discussions with officials from the Department of Commerce, led by the Special Secretary, Department of Commerce, on India-US trade ties, including the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement," it said.

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"Acknowledging the enduring importance of bilateral trade between India and the US, the discussions were positive and forward-looking, covering various aspects of the trade deal. It was decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement," the Commerce and Industry Ministry said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEifcyQLn_s

Who is Brendan Lynch, Leading US Delegation For High Stakes Trade Talks

Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, reached the national capital, is in New Delhi to hold deliberations on the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement.From India's side, the discussions were led by Rajesh Agarwal, Special Secretary, Department of Commerce.The trade talks between the two nations hit a roadblock after Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India for not opening its agriculture and diary industry for US businesses and purchasing Russia oil.The talks, that were kickstarted on Tuesday, will continue forward in virtual mode. The officials will also decide on a mutually convenient date for the next physical meeting.

What is India's view on Donald Trump's Tariffs?

India has earlier described the steep 50 per cent tariff as unfair and unreasonable.In February, the leaders of the two countries directed officials to negotiate a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement ( BTA). It was planned to conclude the first tranche of the pact by the fall of 2025.So far, five rounds of negotiations have been held, and the talks for the sixth round, which were scheduled from August 25-29, were postponed following the imposition of the high import duties.A senior commerce ministry official had said this meeting should not be viewed as the 6th round of negotiations, but a precursor to it.The meeting took place within days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly reacting to US President Donald Trump's positive assessment of trade ties between the two countries.

India Defends Buying Russian Oil

India has defended purchasing Russian crude oil, saying it was driven by national interest and market dynamics.The government has repeatedly emphasised that it will protect the interests of its farmers, dairy producers, and MSMEs in all trade deals.With inputs from PTI