India-US trade deal nearing finishing line, says Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said most issues including tariffs have been resolved in the proposed trade pact.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday that India and the United States are approaching the final stages of a proposed trade agreement. Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit in Delhi, Jaishankar noted that the bulk of the issues, including tariff-related matters, have already been resolved.
According to reports from Hindustan Times and The Federal, the minister expressed optimism that the deal could be finalised soon. He stated that the remaining concerns are largely on the American side, noting that more changes have occurred from the US end than from India's.
Jaishankar said India wants a balanced deal that provides a comparative advantage over similar economies. The minister added that the negotiations are in the last stretch, though he did not provide a specific timeline for completion.
The progress comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected visit to the United States for the G20 Summit in Miami on December 14 and 15. It is anticipated that Modi may meet US President Donald Trump during the summit to discuss bilateral ties and the trade pact.
The minister also commented on the border with China, stating it has become more alive and requires a sustained commitment of Indian troops. He noted that India has increased infrastructure, such as tunnels and bridges, along the frontier.
