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India is witnessing “very good progress” in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, as the two countries work toward finalising the first phase of a trade agreement by the end of 2025. The Commerce Ministry on Tuesday reiterated that India is firmly on the path of trade liberalisation with the US and is committed to addressing both tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal stated that India hopes to secure a strong and beneficial agreement with Washington, with the broader aim of achieving $500 billion in bilateral trade by the end of this decade. This comes after both nations agreed in February to intensify efforts toward this long-term target.
The talks are expected to proceed in a hybrid format, with virtual meetings scheduled this month and in-person negotiations planned for mid-May. According to senior officials, the first phase of the deal could see India slashing tariffs on over 50% of US imports—valued at nearly $23 billion—marking one of the most significant tariff cuts in recent years.
Adding momentum to the talks, US President Donald Trump recently announced a 90-day tariff pause for most trading partners, including India. This came shortly after a wave of reciprocal tariff announcements shook global markets, underscoring the fragile balance of international trade dynamics.
Despite past tensions, including Trump branding India a “tariff abuser” and “tariff king,” both sides have shown willingness to recalibrate their positions. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington in February helped thaw relations, with renewed pledges for greater cooperation in defence, energy, and technology sectors.
India, aiming to reduce the US trade deficit of $45.6 billion, has also made efforts to align with American priorities—offering to expand defence and energy imports. The evolving engagement signals a strategic shift toward mutually beneficial terms that reflect changing global trade realities.
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