India-US Interim Trade Deal Likely By July 4-5 As Talks Intensify
NDTV Profit has learnt that the Indian delegation has extended its stay, signalling a last-minute push to iron out key differences.
An interim trade deal between India and the United States is likely to be finalised by July 4–5, with negotiations currently underway in Washington.
NDTV Profit has learnt that the Indian delegation has extended its stay, signalling a last-minute push to iron out key differences.
The U.S. is pressing for greater market access to Indian agricultural and dairy sectors, which are long-standing red lines for New Delhi due to concerns over rural livelihoods and food safety. In response, India is pushing for meaningful tariff concessions on its labour-intensive exports such as garments, footwear, and leather, which are major job creators.
Indian negotiators have maintained that without broader tariff cuts, especially on high-employment goods, the goal of doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 is unrealistic.
The focus of the deal has narrowed to reciprocal tariff reductions or removals.
India has warned that doubling US trade will be impossible without broader tariff cuts. Officials have called on both nations to prioritise lowering overall tariff barriers, sources said.
An Indian delegation is in Washington to iron out differences and get a deal before the July 9 deadline for Trump's reciprocal tariffs.
