**US-India Trade Deal Not Imminent, Says Trade Representative**
Milwaukee, WI – Despite ongoing negotiations that are nearing completion, a trade deal between the United States and India is not expected to be finalized in the immediate future, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. His comments came on Thursday following a meeting with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Milwaukee, where both sides discussed the remaining issues in their trade talks.
Greer addressed the media after the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting, stating, “I don’t think there is something imminent,” while acknowledging that the negotiations are in their final stages. He emphasized that both parties have identified the key sticking points that need resolution, although he did not disclose specific details about the unresolved issues.
The discussions between Greer and Goyal were described as constructive, with ongoing dialogues expected to continue as both countries work towards an interim agreement under the broader framework of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Goyal previously indicated that the pact was nearly complete, but its finalization hinges on India achieving competitive tariff treatment compared to other exporting nations.
The backdrop to these negotiations includes a recent phone conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. The two leaders reviewed their cooperation across various sectors, including trade, defense, energy, and critical technologies. Greer characterized their discussion as “very constructive,” hinting at the possibility of another conversation in the near future to evaluate the progress made.
In February, the US and India had established a framework for an interim trade agreement, which aimed to reduce Indian tariffs on US industrial goods and select agricultural products, while also providing tariff relief for certain Indian exports. However, subsequent changes in US tariff policies have complicated these negotiations, prolonging the timeline for reaching a final agreement.
Additionally, the discussions are taking place against a backdrop of increasing US pressure regarding India’s energy purchases from Russia. Recently, President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which could impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that significantly purchase Russian energy. New Delhi has expressed concerns that such tariffs could negatively impact bilateral relations and international energy markets. However, Greer did not cite Russian oil purchases as one of the remaining obstacles in the trade negotiations.
As the US and India continue their discussions, both sides remain committed to finding a resolution that addresses their respective interests while fostering stronger economic ties. The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched, as a successful trade agreement could have significant implications for both nations' economies and their strategic partnership.