India and United States Negotiate Bilateral Trade Agreement
India and the United States held trade discussions in New Delhi to advance a Bilateral Trade Agreement amid a shift in U.S. congressional control.
The Government of India and the federal government of the United States held trade discussions in New Delhi on November 2-3 to negotiate the customs and trade facilitation chapter of a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement. A two-member U.S. delegation met with Indian officials to advance the first tranche of the pact, which has been under negotiation since February.
These talks occurred immediately following the November 3 midterm elections, in which the Republican Party lost control of both chambers of Congress. While Indian exporters suggest this electoral shift may restrict the ability of President Donald Trump to implement anti-immigration measures and tariffs, government officials stated that technical negotiations will proceed regardless of the election outcome.
Several obstacles remain before the agreement can be finalized. Key points of contention include tariffs, access to Indian agri-dairy markets, potential U.S. Section 301 tariffs, and sanctions linked to India's oil purchases from Russia.
