Sitharaman, USTR Greer hold discussions in Delhi as India-US trade deal talks reach final stages
New Delhi, June 23
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held discussions with a delegation led by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New Delhi on Tuesday, as both sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation with a focus on new growth opportunities and deeper commercial engagement.
The US Embassy in India said the US-India trade partnership is a "win-win for both", noting that stronger ties create American manufacturing jobs while supporting India's growth as the world's largest democracy. "From energy security to tech talent exchanges, we're building the future together," it posted on X.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor also highlighted the meeting with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
"Great to be with Minister @PiyushGoyal and @USTradeRep Ambassador Greer today in New Delhi. Ongoing discussions on finalizing the trade deal between the US and India," he said in a post on X.
In another post earlier, he welcomed Greer to India and said the finalisation of the bilateral trade agreement will "unlock new economic opportunities for both countries and significantly deepen the US-India economic partnership".
The high-level discussions are focused on the Interim Agreement, part of broader Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said last week that the interim bilateral trade pact talks had seen significant progress. "With the United States, we have made significant progress already on the conclusion of an interim free trade bilateral trade agreement," Misri said after the G7 summit, adding that Greer's visit to New Delhi would drive trade deliberations forward.
Earlier, Goyal welcomed Greer, Sergio Gor, and the US delegation to the Department of Commerce for "productive discussions on the bilateral trade agreement between India and US".
India remains engaged with the US on proposed tariff measures under Section 301 proceedings while simultaneously working toward finalising a bilateral trade framework. Following his meetings in India, Greer will travel to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to discuss fair, balanced and reciprocal trade with his counterparts there, the USTR said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some movement! 🇮🇳🤝🇺🇸 The tech talent exchange will be huge for our IT sector. But why does every trade deal take so long? Just sign the papers already! 😅
Great diplomatic effort by FM Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal. But I'm cautiously optimistic - America always wants more market access for their goods while keeping their own markets protected. Need a balanced agreement that benefits both sides equally.
Hope this includes more visas for Indian students and tech workers. That's where the real "win-win" is. Our talent helps American companies grow, and we get remittances and knowledge back. Common sense, no? 🤷♂️
This is all fine, but what about the Section 301 tariffs? America is still threatening to impose duties on Indian goods. Talk is cheap until those threats are withdrawn. Our government needs to stand firm.
Nice photo op, but let's see some concrete outcomes. India always talks big about trade deals but ends up giving more than getting. Need transparency in what's being negotiated - we citizens have a right to know.
Love seeing high-level diplomacy in action
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