{"id":18174,"date":"2025-11-28T15:55:41","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T10:25:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trending.niftytrader.in\/?p=18174"},"modified":"2025-11-28T15:55:41","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T10:25:41","slug":"india-us-trade-deal-is-only-a-matter-of-time-says-commerce-secretary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.niftytrader.in\/markets\/india-us-trade-deal-is-only-a-matter-of-time-says-commerce-secretary\/","title":{"rendered":"India\u2013US Trade Deal Is \u2018Only a Matter of Time,\u2019 Says Commerce Secretary"},"content":{"rendered":"

India Says First Phase of India-US Trade Deal Is \u2018Only a Matter of Time\u2019<\/p>\n

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India and the United States appear to be inching closer to a significant trade breakthrough, with Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal stating that a first-phase India-US trade deal is now \u201conly a matter of time.\u201d Speaking on November 28, Agarwal said both nations have been engaged in \u201cdeep and continuous\u201d negotiations over recent months, ironing out most of the sticking points.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have engaged on it very deeply with the US team for the last few months,\u201d Agarwal said. \u201cWe are close. We have tried to iron out most of the issues. Now, it is only a matter of time before both countries find the right landing zone to announce the deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

His remarks come at a crucial juncture, as India seeks relief from steep reciprocal tariffs imposed by Washington, while the US pushes for wider market access and stronger trade discipline.<\/p>\n

Government Hints at Resolution Within This Calendar Year<\/h2>\n
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Agarwal expressed optimism that the framework agreement could be wrapped up before the current calendar year ends, though he cautioned against assigning rigid deadlines due to the complexity of trade negotiations.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cWith any trade negotiation, the final deadline cannot be fixed,\u201d he said. \u201cEven one unresolved issue in the mind of either partner can delay the deal. But the overall position is well set to deliver it in the next few weeks or months.\u201d<\/p>\n

His comments reflect growing anticipation within industry circles that both nations may soon formalise a limited trade package, serving as a precursor to a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).<\/p>\n

Also Read : LIC Cuts NBCC Stake to 4.5% and Raises ACC Holding to Nearly 11% in Portfolio Rejig<\/a><\/p>\n

Tariffs on Indian Goods at the Heart of Negotiations<\/h2>\n
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A major driver of the negotiations is the steep tariff regime currently imposed by the US. Washington has levied 25% reciprocal tariffs and an additional 25% duty on certain Indian goods, citing India\u2019s purchase of Russian crude and other geopolitical considerations.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Agarwal emphasized that India will only consider the upcoming deal meaningful if both sets of tariffs are addressed simultaneously.<\/p>\n

\u201cA trade deal will be beneficial only when both 25 percent tariffs are addressed. Until then, it will not be meaningful for India,\u201d he said. \u201cWhenever the deal is signed\u2026 both these tariffs will be addressed together.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to him, technical teams from both nations have been engaging virtually every week, with physical visits expected soon.<\/p>\n

Parallel Tracks: Framework Deal First, Full BTA Later<\/h2>\n
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Agarwal clarified that negotiations are progressing on two parallel tracks:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    A framework trade deal focused on resolving reciprocal tariff challenges<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    A broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), similar in scope to an FTA, covering market access, standards, services, and regulatory alignment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u201cWhat needs to come first is the framework trade deal,\u201d he explained. \u201cIt will address the reciprocal tariffs, and one negotiation will feed into the other.\u201d<\/p>\n

    He noted that a full BTA will \u201ctake time\u201d due to its expansive nature, especially with tariff levels beyond the standard Most Favoured Nation (MFN) framework.<\/p>\n

    US Remains India\u2019s Largest Trading Partner Despite Tariff Tensions<\/h2>\n
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    Despite high tariffs and geopolitical frictions, the United States remained India\u2019s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year in 2024\u201325, with bilateral trade valued at $131.84 billion.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    The US accounted for:<\/p>\n