New Delhi [India], October 7 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held discussions with a visiting US delegation of thinkers and business leaders led by Walter Russell Mead, a distinguished fellow at the American think tank Hudson Institute. Following the meeting, PM Modi expressed appreciation for their efforts in “strengthening India-US ties and advancing our partnership for global peace, progress and prosperity.”
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Glad to interact with a US delegation of thinkers and business leaders led by Mr. Walter Russell Mead. Value their contribution in strengthening India-US ties and advancing our partnership for global peace, progress and prosperity.”
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India is engaged in ongoing discussions with the United States on a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). While he did not offer a timeline, Goyal stressed that negotiations are continuous and not bound by deadlines. “The possibilities are full. Every possibility exists,” he said, noting that the US government’s current shutdown could influence timing.
Goyal also updated on India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, saying discussions in Brussels were “very good.” He described the partnership as between the “USD 20 trillion European Union of 27 countries and India, the fastest-growing large economy in the world.” Goyal emphasised complementarities between India’s skilled workforce and the EU’s innovation and technology base, saying, “We complement each other… jointly we can serve the world together.”
He added that once the current round of talks concludes, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal will travel to Brussels to meet his EU counterpart to advance discussions.
On India-Qatar ties, Goyal highlighted joint projects, saying, “India and Qatar are also doing third-country projects in partnership between Qataris and Indian businesses.” He noted Qatar’s willingness to guarantee financing for such projects, encouraging Indian companies to explore these opportunities.
This engagement reflects India’s deepening strategic and economic relations with key partners, while underscoring a commitment to strengthening trade ties with the United States, the European Union, and Gulf nations.
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