Jaishankar, US Chamber CEO discuss trade and investment expansion

New Delhi

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark in Delhi on Wednesday to discuss ways to strengthen trade and investment ties, enhance supply chain resilience, and deepen the India-US strategic partnership. 

Sharing details on X, Jaishankar wrote, Glad to meet President & CEO USChamber SuzanneUSCC today. A useful exchange on deepening trade and investments, building resilient supply chains, and strengthening India-US strategic partnership. 

Earlier, on March 21, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted significant progress in India-US trade discussions. The focus remains on expanding trade, improving market access, and reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers. 

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly briefing that both governments are working on a framework for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) covering multiple sectors to benefit both countries. He also referenced Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to the US from March 3-7. During his trip, Goyal met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to advance discussions on the agreement. 

Jaiswal reiterated that India and the US are committed to progressing bilateral trade negotiations. The proposed BTA aims to expand trade, improve market access, lower trade barriers, and integrate supply chains more effectively. He added that India remains engaged with the US administration at various levels to finalize a mutually beneficial agreement. 

Goyal’s visit followed discussions between PM Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, who had aimed to finalize the first phase of the BTA by the fall of 2025.