NEW DELHI – Indian and US officials made significant progress toward a bilateral trade agreement during discussions in New Delhi from March 26 to 29, focusing on reducing tariffs and easing non-tariff barriers. The talks were led by India’s commerce ministry and a US trade delegation headed by Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia.
In a parallel development, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to discuss efforts to reduce trade barriers and achieve a fair and balanced bilateral trade relationship. They also emphasized strengthening defense and technology cooperation to enhance regional security.
Landau expressed appreciation for India’s efforts in addressing illegal immigration to the US and encouraged continued cooperation, according to a statement from the US Department of State.
The timing of the talks is critical, as US President Donald Trump prepares to impose reciprocal tariffs on multiple trading partners starting April 2. India is seeking an exemption in the context of the ongoing bilateral negotiations. Both nations aim to finalize the first phase of a bilateral trade deal by autumn.
“The successful conclusion of the discussions reflects progress in efforts to expand India-US bilateral trade and investment relations to promote prosperity, security, and innovation in both countries,” stated India’s commerce ministry. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in February, India committed to increasing purchases of US energy products and defense equipment. Both countries set a goal of reaching $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
President Trump has referred to India as a “tariff king,” pushing for reduced levies on products such as agricultural goods, alcoholic beverages, and automobiles, along with greater market access for US companies. Earlier this month, Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal visited Washington for talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The joint statement indicated that sector-specific expert engagements for the bilateral trade agreement would begin virtually in the coming weeks, followed by an in-person negotiation round. The US currently has a $45.6 billion trade deficit with India. While the US trade-weighted average tariff rate stands at approximately 2.2%, India’s average tariff remains significantly higher at 12%, according to World Trade Organization data.