India and the United States are preparing to resume high-level trade negotiations with renewed urgency, as a senior US trade negotiator is scheduled to visit New Delhi later this month. The visit, confirmed by India’s Trade Secretary on September 15, 2025, comes at a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, with both sides aiming to resolve tariff disputes and finalize a multi-sector trade agreement ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned trip to the United States.
The upcoming engagement is part of a broader diplomatic effort to revive stalled trade talks and address key irritants, including US tariffs on Indian goods and India’s procurement of Russian oil. The visit also coincides with preparations for the United Nations General Assembly session, where Modi and US President Donald Trump are expected to meet and push for a breakthrough.
Key highlights from the India–US trade engagement
- Senior US trade negotiator to visit India in the second half of September
- Talks will focus on tariff rollback, market access, and investment facilitation
- India seeks relief from 50 percent US tariffs imposed on select exports
- US aims to expand access for dairy, medical devices, and digital services
- Modi–Trump meeting expected during UNGA week in New York
- Trade teams working toward a first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement by early 2026
Strategic backdrop and diplomatic momentum
The visit follows a series of high-level exchanges between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, including public affirmations of mutual goodwill and shared commitment to resolving trade barriers. Modi recently responded to Trump’s social media outreach, expressing confidence that negotiations would unlock the full potential of the India–US partnership.
The two leaders are expected to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA, where trade, defense cooperation, and Indo-Pacific strategy will be central themes. Modi’s trip is also timed to coincide with discussions on the Russia–Ukraine conflict, which has indirectly impacted India–US trade dynamics.
Scope and structure of the proposed agreement
Negotiators are working on a multi-sector bilateral trade agreement that includes:
- Tariff reductions on industrial goods, pharmaceuticals, and textiles
- Market access for US dairy and agricultural products
- Investment protection and dispute resolution mechanisms
- Digital trade and cross-border data flow regulations
- Intellectual property rights and labor standards
India is pushing for greater access to the US market for its generic drugs, automotive components, and IT services. The US, in turn, is seeking regulatory alignment and lower duties on dairy, medical equipment, and digital platforms.
Economic impact and trade targets
India–US bilateral trade stood at USD 192 billion in FY2024–25, with both countries aiming to double this figure to USD 500 billion by 2030 under the Mission 500 initiative. A successful agreement could unlock significant economic benefits:
- Enhanced competitiveness for Indian exporters
- Increased foreign direct investment from US firms
- Strengthened supply chain integration across sectors
- Improved predictability for businesses operating in both markets
Challenges and negotiation hurdles
Despite progress, several issues remain unresolved:
- US tariffs on Indian goods linked to Russian oil purchases
- India’s reluctance to open its dairy sector to US producers
- Disagreement over digital taxation and data localization
- Regulatory divergence in pharmaceuticals and food safety
Negotiators are under pressure to finalize a framework before Modi’s US visit, with additional rounds of talks expected in Washington and New Delhi through October.
Outlook and next steps
The US trade negotiator’s visit marks a critical juncture in India–US economic relations. If successful, it could pave the way for a phased trade agreement that balances strategic interests with commercial gains. The outcome will also influence India’s broader trade posture as it negotiates parallel deals with the EU, UK, and New Zealand.
Sources: Times of India, IndBiz, Hindustan Times
