India-US Move Closer on Trade Deal

India and the United States have agreed on a broad framework for a new bilateral trade agreement, aiming to strengthen economic ties. The deal, likely to have 19 sections, will cover trade in goods, services, investment, and customs rules. Talks will deepen as a senior Indian delegation visits Washington on April 23 for a three-day discussion.

Rajesh Agrawal, leading the Indian team, is also the next commerce secretary. These talks follow recent high-level meetings, including a visit by US trade official Brendan Lynch in March. Both nations aim to finalize the first phase of the agreement by this fall, with a shared goal of boosting trade to $500 billion by 2030.

The pact may include major tariff cuts. The US wants easier access for products like EVs and agricultural goods, while India seeks support for its exports in textiles, leather, and seafood. Talks will also address the US’s concerns over India’s rising trade surplus.