New Delhi [India], September 16 (ANI): Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch held a positive meeting on Tuesday with Ministry of Commerce and Industry Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal to discuss the next steps in bilateral trade negotiations. Both sides agreed to intensify efforts to achieve an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, a team of officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, led by Lynch, who serves as the chief negotiator for the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement, 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,” the ministry said. “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 statement added.
A US Embassy spokesperson confirmed that Lynch had a constructive meeting in Delhi with Agrawal to discuss the next phase of negotiations. Sources said the chief negotiators of both countries agreed to continue discussions in a virtual format.
India and the United States have already held five rounds of negotiations for the trade deal, though the most recent round, scheduled for August, was postponed. Over the past few months, both sides have been working toward an interim agreement.
In July, US President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, despite optimism about an interim deal that could have helped avoid higher duties. A few days later, he imposed an additional 25 percent tariff, citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil. The total tariff of 50 percent took effect on August 27.
India has expressed concerns about US demands to open its agricultural and dairy sectors, which are viewed as critical for providing livelihoods to a large portion of the population.
Negotiations for a balanced and mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) began in March this year, with the aim of completing the first stage of the accord by October-November 2025. (ANI)
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