US team visits Delhi to advance India-US trade pact talks
A two-member delegation visited New Delhi on 2-3 November to discuss customs and trade facilitation for a proposed agreement.
A two-member US team visited New Delhi on 2-3 November to discuss technical aspects of a proposed trade agreement with India, according to a senior Indian government official and reports from Mint and BusinessLine.
The discussions focused on the customs and trade facilitation chapter of the deal. This engagement comes as both nations work to finalise the first tranche of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA).
The visit occurred following the US midterm elections, where the Democrats won control of the Senate and the House of Representatives. An American embassy spokesperson in New Delhi told Mint that President Donald Trump remains in command of foreign policy and the trade agenda, stating that the election results do not change the commitment to the partnership.
The US is India's top export destination, with goods valued at $87 billion in fiscal year 2025-26, representing nearly a fifth of India's total merchandise exports in FY26.
Negotiations have faced challenges regarding tariff levels and access to Indian agricultural and dairy markets. Experts noted that while a Democrat-controlled Congress could impact ratification, the current political situation may provide New Delhi with more leverage.
The proposed pact aims to deepen cooperation in critical minerals and defence technology. If implemented, labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, garments, leather, gems, and jewellery are expected to be the primary beneficiaries.
