An Indian trade delegation will be visiting Washington this week to finalise India-US bilateral trade deal, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, said in a post on X on Monday. The comments come after the commerce ministry during a briefing last week said an Indian delegation is scheduled to visit the US from April 20 to 22 to carry forward BTA negotiations.
As the talks are set to begin, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal during an event on Monday added that the deal is "almost finalised," with both sides now working out the mechanism to secure preferential market access for Indian goods in the American market.
The Indian trade delegation will be arriving in Washington this week. A great step to finalize our bilateral trade deal. A win-win for both nations!
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) April 20, 2026
The two countries had earlier announced an interim trade deal on Feb. 2, signalling intent to deepen economic ties and address longstanding trade frictions. In a positive move soon after, additional tariffs of 25% on select goods were removed on Feb. 7, offering relief to exporters and improving sentiment among businesses engaged in cross-border trade.
Further easing concerns, no reciprocal tariffs have been in effect since Feb. 20, suggesting a temporary pause in tit-for-tat trade measures that had weighed on bilateral commerce. However, the global trade environment remains complex. Beginning Feb. 24, the United States imposed a uniform 10% tariff on imports from all countries, a move seen as part of a broader recalibration of its trade policy framework.
ALSO READ: US-India Trade Deal: First Tranche Almost Finalised, Says Piyush Goyal
At the same time, Washington has initiated two key investigations that include India. These relate to concerns over excess industrial capacity and allegations of forced labour in supply chains. The probes, led by the Office of the US Trade Representative, could have implications for market access and compliance requirements for Indian exporters if they progress further.
The Government of India has formally submitted its response as part of the USTR consultation process, defending its trade practices and outlining steps taken to ensure transparency and adherence to global norms.
The meeting comes amid renewed tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Uncertainties over the next course of the US-Iran war continued as there was no clarity on whether the two sides would meet for peace talks with a ceasefire set to expire in the coming days.
Tensions soared during the weekend as the US Navy fired and boarded an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, the first seizure in the American blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
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