India, US target fall 2025 for first phase of bilateral trade agreement

New Delhi/Washington

The Union Commerce and Industry Ministry announced that India and the United States are progressing towards finalising the first tranche of a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by Fall 2025.

The statement noted that the agreement would include opportunities for “early mutual wins,” as both nations aim to deepen economic cooperation. According to the ministry, discussions have been productive, covering both tariff and non-tariff issues. While several sectoral-level engagements have already taken place virtually, in-person discussions are scheduled to begin by the end of May.

The announcement comes after earlier bilateral meetings held in Washington, D.C., from April 23 to 25, where officials from India’s Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office held detailed talks. These efforts align with the Leaders’ Statement from February 2025, which outlined a shared vision for stronger economic ties and integrated supply chains.

Additionally, the statement highlighted prior discussions held in New Delhi last month that laid the groundwork for ongoing negotiations. On March 29, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also held talks, focusing on reducing trade barriers, enhancing defense and technology cooperation, and addressing illegal immigration concerns.

The U.S. Department of State acknowledged India’s support in tackling immigration issues, while reaffirming both countries’ commitment to promoting stability and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region. The BTA is expected to mark a significant milestone in India-US relations, potentially unlocking vast multi-sectoral trade opportunities.