New Delhi to Host US Trade Talks: Focus on BTA Progress

Starting December 10, New Delhi will be the venue for critical trade discussions between India and the United States. The talks are primarily aimed at accelerating the ongoing negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) that promises to reshape economic relations. While the initial aspiration was to finalize the first component of the BTA by autumn 2025, subsequent developments in US trade policy, including tariff actions, have altered the expected pace. Official confirmations have been received regarding the upcoming talks. India’s lead trade negotiator, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, previously conveyed strong optimism about securing the first tranche of the BTA within the current year, highlighting significant advancements in the dialogue. The BTA, a formal proposal initiated earlier, targets a substantial increase in bilateral trade, aiming to surpass $500 billion by 2030, up from the current $191 billion.