The trade talks between the United States and India, originally scheduled for August 25, have been postponed and will now be held on another date, according to sources.So far, five rounds of negotiations have been completed for the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with a US delegation scheduled to visit India for the sixth round from August 25 to 29.The US is pressing for greater market access in politically sensitive areas such as agri and dairy sectors, which India cannot accept as it affects the livelihood of small and marginal farmers. India has stated that it will not compromise the interests of farmers and cattle rearers.
Also Read: India steps up US trade talks amid geopolitical tensions, eyes October FTA with EFTA BlocThe US and India have announced plans to conclude the first phase of BTA by fall (September-October) of 2025. The two countries are aiming at more than doubling the bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, from the present $191 billion.While the 25% tariff on Indian goods entering the US has come into effect from August 7, an additional 25%, was announced on India as penalty for buying crude oil and military equipment from Russia, will come into effect from August 27.During April-July, the country’s exports to the US increased 21.64% to $33.53 billion, while imports rose 12.33% to $17.41 billion, according to commerce ministry data.Also Read: India-US trade negotiations underway at Ministerial, diplomatic, negotiators’ levelThe US was the largest trading partner of India in the April-July period ($12.56 billion bilateral trade) 2025-26. India’s exports to America are recording positive growth since April this year.
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