- KR Bharat
- 2025-12-15
New Delhi: India and the United States are “very close” to finalising a framework trade deal to address high tariffs, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday. He added that parallel talks are underway on a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement (BTA) to further strengthen economic ties.
The new US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer visited India last week, during which both sides reviewed progress on the framework deal and the BTA. “We are very close on the framework deal, which can be concluded in a short period, though I won’t put a timeline on it,” Agrawal said.
He noted that talks are now in the final stage and may continue through physical and virtual meetings rather than formal rounds. The negotiations have gained urgency amid steep US tariffs on Indian goods, which have impacted exporters. India has said resolving these tariff issues is key to finalising the first phase of the trade agreement.
