India Accelerates Bilateral Trade Talks with the US

India remains optimistic about closing negotiations for the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States as quickly as possible, while actively working on other free trade agreements. Officials are closely monitoring the impact of reciprocal tariffs that could lead to a surge in imports.

A senior commerce ministry official stated that they will try and close negotiations for the BTA as quickly as possible and are hopeful that they will be able to negotiate a good agreement with the US. The target for concluding the first tranche of the BTA is set for September-October 2025 (fall 2025), though there is optimism that the deal could be wrapped up even earlier.

Despite concerns regarding reciprocal tariffs following a 90-day surge, officials emphasised that India has already embraced a path of trade liberalisation with the US. Finalising the BTA is expected to not only strengthen bilateral trade but also unlock new business opportunities for both nations.

Virtual discussions on the agreement are set to begin this week, with in-person negotiations scheduled after the second week of May. Everything is going as per schedule with the negotiations, as confirmed by an official.
The US continues to be India’s top export destination, with exports reaching $86.51 billion in FY25, up from $77.52 billion in FY24, underscoring the growing significance of this trade relationship.