As Deadlock Continues In India-US Trade Talks, Negotiators Plan Fresh Visit To Washington Before 1 August Deadline: Report

Indian trade negotiators are reportedly planning to visit Washington again next week to push stalled trade talks with the US towards a final agreement, The New Indian Express reported, citing government sources.

The visit comes as the Trump administration postponed its deadline to impose higher import tariffs on trading partners to 1 August.

India had hoped to sign an interim trade deal before the earlier 9 July deadline but could not due to disagreements over tariffs on agriculture, dairy, and automobiles.

After an earlier delegation led by Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, returned without a deal, the government decided to send negotiators back.

Although the exact dates for the visit are yet to be finalised, sources cited in the TNIE report said India aims for a “complete deal” and that New Delhi is not differentiating between an interim deal and the first phase of the Bilateral Trade Agreement.

“Whatever will be finished, we can package it as an interim deal and for the rest, talks will continue,” an official was quoted as saying by TNIE.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that a deal with India will be signed soon.

However, the talks so far have hit a deadlock, TNIE reported, citing Finance Ministry sources.

India remains cautious about cutting tariffs on agriculture and dairy products, while automobile duties also remain contentious.

Initially, India appeared willing to lower agricultural tariffs but reportedly toughened its stance after pressure from the Swadeshi Jagran Manch.

The government sources stress that no deal is better than bad deal.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also stated India will not rush to sign an agreement that isn’t mutually beneficial.

Officials added that India could reject the deal entirely and accept US reciprocal tariffs.

"US is imposing higher tariffs on other countries too. So, our export competitiveness may not get impacted at all," the sources argued.

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