What happened?
India and the US are set to deepen their economic engagement through high-level discussions on a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), beginning 17 May in Washington D.C. The meetings will involve top trade and commerce officials from both countries. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is scheduled to hold talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer.
The negotiations will cover approximately 19 chapters, including tariffs, services, rules of origin, non-tariff barriers, and customs facilitation. Chief negotiators from both sides will meet between 19 and 22 May, with India represented by Rajesh Agrawal and the US by Brendan Lynch.
The US has been India’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year, with total bilateral trade reaching $131.84 billion in 2024–25.
Why it matters to India
The BTA negotiations are crucial for India to expand its trade relationship with the US and address key economic concerns. India is seeking duty concessions for its labour-intensive export sectors, such as textiles, leather goods, and gems and jewellery, to boost employment and export revenues. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact India’s trade dynamics and its economic partnership with the US.