India calls trade talks with US 'positive', says both sides to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of agreement

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry on Tuesday stated that trade talks between India and the US were positive, with both sides agreeing to step up efforts for the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement.

"Acknowledging the enduring importance of bilateral trade between India and the U.S., 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," said Ministry of Commerce and Trade in an official statement.

A team of officials from the office of United States Trade Representative led by Chief Negotiator, India US Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations Brendan Lynch visited India on September 16, 2025. They held discussions with officials from Department of Commerce, led by Special Secretary, Department of Commerce on India-US trade ties including on the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement.


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The Lynch-led US team is in India to resume discussions with India's chief negotiator and Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Rajesh Agrawal, and other Indian officials on the bilateral trade agreement.

Earlier, the trade talks schedule to be held between August 25 to August 29 were postponed and now the discussion on trade deal have resumed again.

"Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Brendan Lynch had a positive meeting in Delhi with his counterpart Ministry of Commerce and Industry Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal on September 16 to discuss next steps in bilateral trade negotiations," said an U.S. Embassy spokesperson.

Trump last month imposed a 25% punitive levy on Indian imports from August 27, doubling overall tariffs to 50%, as part of Washington’s pressure campaign on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

A planned U.S. delegation visit to New Delhi from August 25-29 was cancelled after talks stalled, with India resisting U.S. demands to open its vast farm and dairy markets.

India’s exports to the U.S. fell to $6.86 billion in August from $8.01 billion in July, trade ministry data showed on Monday.