US trade negotiator visits India, acknowledges importance of bilateral trade

A high-level US trade delegation led by Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, arrived in Delhi on Tuesday.

“Acknowledging the enduring importance of bilateral trade between India and the US, the discussions were positive and forward looking covering various aspects of the trade deal,” the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement.

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“It was decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement,” it said.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump spoke about the “special relationship” the US shares with India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi “fully reciprocates” the sentiment.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had also announced that the first tranche of the India–US trade agreement is expected to be finalised by November 2025, marking a significant step in easing tensions between the two countries over tariffs and trade barriers.

“In February 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump instructed that ministers of both sides should make a good agreement by November 2025. The first part of that agreement, the first tranche, should be finalised by November 2025. Since March, discussions have been going on in a very good environment, and both sides are satisfied with the progress,” the minister said.

Trump had described India–US ties as a “very special relationship” and reassured that he and Prime Minister Modi “would always be friends,” saying there was “nothing to worry about.”

Prime Minister Modi endorsed Trump’s comments on X, expressing confidence that the ongoing talks would “unlock the limitless potential” of the partnership. “Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest,” Modi said, adding that he looks forward to speaking with Trump to secure a “brighter, more prosperous future” for both nations.

The trade negotiations are unfolding against a backdrop of heightened global economic tensions, following the US decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports, including an additional 25% penalty over India’s purchase of Russian crude oil — a move Washington argues supports Moscow’s conflict in Ukraine.