External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a talk on Monday, emphasizing the pressing need for finalizing the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). This follows the President Trump declaration of 26% reciprocal duties on Indian goods effective from April 9.
Jaishankar tweeted on social media that both leaders were in agreement over the importance of finalizing the trade agreement urgently to offset economic impacts and secure bilateral ties. They also reviewed global issues like the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Europe.
India hopes the BTA will settle tariff matters and improve market access for both nations. Negotiations have been ongoing since February, and the first tranche of the agreement is expected by fall 2025.
Source: NDTV, Economic Times, Hindustan Times