NewKerala.com

US-India FTA Just One Step in Long Journey, Says Official MacLeod

A US State Department official characterized the newly signed US-India Free Trade Agreement as merely one step in the broader, ongoing partnership between the two nations. The context includes high-level meetings on trade, the Quad alliance, and securing supply chains for critical minerals. India has expressed support for a new US-led initiative, FORGE, aimed at resource security, following a major ministerial meeting in Washington. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held productive bilateral discussions during his visit, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the engagement.

Key Points: US Official: India-US FTA a Step in Long Journey | Trade Deal

  • FTA signed by Trump and Modi
  • Focus on resilient critical mineral supply chains
  • Over 50 nations at US-led ministerial
  • India supports new FORGE initiative
  • Bilateral meetings held on trade and Quad
2 min read

FTA with India just a step in our long journey ahead, says US official Margaret MacLeod

US State Department's Margaret MacLeod calls the new Free Trade Agreement with India a single step, highlighting ongoing talks on critical minerals and supply chains.

FTA with India just a step in our long journey ahead, says US official Margaret MacLeod
"The Free Trade Agreement announced this week is just a step in our long journey ahead. - Margaret MacLeod"

London, February 6

The Free Trade Agreement announced between India and the US is just a step in a long journey ahead between the two countries, said the State Department's Hindustani Spokesperson, Margaret MacLeod.

Speaking to ANI, MacLeod said, "After India agreed to stop the import of Russian oil, President Trump reduced the tariffs on Indian imports from the existing 25%. The Free Trade Agreement announced this week is just a step in our long journey ahead."

Margaret MacLeod continued, "On Monday, President Trump and PM Modi signed a Free Trade Agreement. On Tuesday, Secretary Rubio and EAM S Jaishankar held a meeting, in which they talked about Quad, trade, and cooperation on critical minerals."

On 'Critical Minerals Ministerial' meet, MacLeod said that the US is engaged with several nations to ensure a smooth, resilient and trusted supply chain.

"Why the US is talking to these 55 nations is to ensure a smooth, resilient and trusted supply chain. Some nations are obstructing existing supply chains. We want to invite investments in mining, refining, processing, and recycling, so that essential industries like security, energy, and defence can acquire critical minerals," she said.

India has extended its support to the Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), a newly launched initiative unveiled at the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, which succeeds the US-led Mineral Security Partnership, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told ANI on the sidelines of the ministerial in Washington DC.

Speaking to ANI on Wednesday (local time) in Washington, DC, the EAM, who is on a three-day visit to the US capital, said the primary purpose of his trip was to attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which included participation from over 50 countries.

He described the discussions at the ministerial as productive and outcome-oriented, highlighting the growing importance of critical minerals in global supply chains.

During his visit, Jaishankar also held bilateral meetings with Rubio and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and noted that with several foreign ministers present in Washington, there were multiple informal interactions and pull-aside discussions to review the state of bilateral ties.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the focus on critical minerals. It's a strategic move by both nations to reduce dependency on China. FORGE seems like a good initiative, but the real test will be in its implementation and ensuring fair benefits for all partners.
P
Priya S
"Just a step in a long journey" – that's the right way to look at it. We shouldn't get too excited by one agreement. The real work is in building resilient supply chains that can withstand geopolitical pressures. Good to see Jaishankar actively involved.
R
Rohit P
While the FTA is welcome, linking it to stopping Russian oil imports feels like pressure tactics. India's foreign policy and trade should be independent. We need to ensure our national interests are not compromised for tariff reductions.
K
Karthik V
The critical minerals part is crucial for our green energy and tech ambitions. If we can secure a stable supply and build processing capabilities here, it's a game-changer for 'Make in India'. Hope the investments actually materialize on the ground.
M
Michael C
Strong India-US ties are good for global stability. The Quad dialogue alongside trade shows the relationship is maturing beyond just economics into a strategic partnership. A welcome development.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50