Trade talks between India and the United States resumed on Tuesday, with US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch meeting the Commerce Ministry, indicating a thaw in bilateral relations.
The Indian side is being headed by Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce.
The Commerce Ministry sources said that the negotiations are going on at various levels, and further developments will be decided after hearing out US Chief Negotiator Lynch.
The two sides are coming to the talks with an optimistic approach. All the issues pending on the trade agreement are to be dealt with by the teams, whereas some are under the diplomatic sphere and involve the Ministry of External Affairs too.
Lynch's trip follows heightened hopes for an impending trade deal, with positive words from US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a lull in negotiations.
On September 9, Trump wrote on Truth Social that negotiations were continuing and "I am sure certain that there will be no problem at all in reaching a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries.
Addressing PM Modi as a "great friend," he further stated that he would be talking to him.
PM Modi responded to Trump's message, stating, "I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership." He further stated that he was eagerly awaiting his conversation with Trump.
In parallel, US ambassador-designate to India, Sergio Gor, informed a Senate committee considering his nomination last week that India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Washington, DC, and hold meetings with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
On the trade side, India's merchandise trade deficit fell to $26.49 billion in August from $27.35 billion in July.
In spite of the worldwide uncertainties and difficulties in trade policy, Indian exports have been good, showing that government policies are paying off.
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