Trade deal talks with US progressing in cordial, positive atmosphere: Officials
By Vishu Adhana, New Delhi, January 28
Negotiations with the United States on a proposed trade agreement are progressing in a cordial and positive atmosphere, officials at the Commerce Ministry said on Wednesday.
Officials also confirmed that India is holding trade discussions with Canada, Chile, Israel and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
They commented that New Delhi remains open to expanding its trade engagements but is not in a rush to conclude agreements.
"Discussions are ongoing with several countries. India is happy and willing to expand its trade engagements as we believe there is significant interconnected trade globally," an official said.
"However, we engage only with fair trading partners and carefully examine each free trade agreement on its own merits. We are never in a hurry and move at our own pace, without compromising our interests."
Responding to a question specifically on talks with Washington, the official said, "Discussions with the United States are also ongoing and continue in a very cordial and positive atmosphere."
The comments come amid prolonged trade negotiations between India and the US. Tensions had escalated after the Trump administration imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods over New Delhi's oil trade with Russia, taking total duties to 50 per cent.
Meanwhile, a media report citing leaked audio recordings has claimed that US Republican Senator Ted Cruz said Vice President JD Vance and White House economic adviser Peter Navarro played a key role in blocking a proposed trade deal between the two countries.
On other negotiations, officials said Canada has expressed interest in expediting talks if timelines permit, while negotiations with Chile are close to completion. "Once we are free from the Budget process, we will speed up negotiations with Chile, as there is a clear route involving all stakeholders, and we hope to conclude that quickly," the official said.
The review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) is already underway and is beginning to take shape, while scoping studies are also in progress with some other interested partners, officials added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see negotiations are positive. A strong trade deal with the US could be a game-changer for Indian tech and manufacturing sectors. Hope they can find common ground on the tricky issues like tariffs.
The line about engaging only with "fair trading partners" is key. We've been on the receiving end of unfair tariffs before. Our interests must be protected, no matter how long it takes. Jai Hind!
Diversifying talks with Canada, Chile, GCC is smart. Don't put all your eggs in the American basket. But honestly, the pace is sometimes too slow. Our exporters need certainty.
Positive atmosphere is good, but actions matter more. The US blocked a deal before due to internal politics. We need a deal that benefits our farmers and small industries, not just big corporations.
As someone working in Indo-US trade, the "cordial atmosphere" is a diplomatic must-say. The real test is getting past the agricultural and digital trade barriers. Hope the officials are as firm as they sound.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.