India-US trade deal not imminent, PM Modi-Trump may hold another call soon: US trade representative
The India-US trade agreement is in the “short strokes” of negotiations, but the deal is not yet imminent. United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer has indicated that discussions between the two sides are continuing over unresolved issues. He added that PM Modi and US President Donald Trump could speak again soon to review the progress of the negotiations.The US trade chief added that the two sides have identified the full set of items that were still proving to be sticking points and were working towards resolving them.Commenting on the negotiations, the Greer said, “We had a very constructive conversation with Minister Piyush Goyal… We are continually trying to finish the trade deal with India, we are in the short strokes. I think we are towards the end of it. President Trump and the Prime Minister Modi had a constructive call yesterday morning. At the same time, I don’t think there is something imminent.”He added, “But we truly have identified the universe of items that are sticking points, and we are working diligently toward them. The President and the Prime Minister may have another call very soon on this just to assess progress and where we are.”
Goyal, Greer hold talks in Milwaukee
The latest comments came after Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal held talks with Greer on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee. The meeting was part of ongoing bilateral efforts to conclude a “balanced and mutually beneficial” trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington.Goyal had earlier said that the discussions were aimed at an early conclusion of an interim agreement under the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).In a post on X, he wrote, “Met USTR Jamieson Greer, US trade representative, on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee. Had a productive discussion with USTR Greer towards early conclusion of a mutually beneficial interim agreement under the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. We also exchanged views on G20 deliberations under US Chairship.”The talks between Goyal and Greer took place on Wednesday, the same day PM Modi and Trump held a telephone conversation. The two leaders discussed progress in trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and other areas of mutual interest.
What’s after February framework?
Ahead of Goyal’s visit, the ministry said his discussions with the US counterpart would focus on advancing the Bilateral Trade Agreement and finalising an interim deal in line with the Joint Statement of February 7, 2026.“Goyal will also engage bilaterally with his counterpart from the United States as part of ongoing efforts to advance a balanced and mutually beneficial India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and finalise an interim deal in line with the Joint Statement of 7 February 2026.”India and the US had announced in February this year that they had finalised the framework for the initial phase of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). However, negotiations continued following changes in the US tariff landscape.Goyal had said on September 24 that the India-US trade pact was “done and dusted”, but added that it would be executed once the US gives India the right competitive advantage over its competitors in the American market.Within the US market, India’s primary regional competitors include China, Bangladesh and member states of ASEAN.
