Commerce Secretary expresses optimism over early conclusion of India-US trade talks

24 Dec 2025 Evaluate

Expressing optimism over early conclusion of India-US trade talks in a manner that restores deeper market access for domestic exporters, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has said India is actively engaged in trade discussions with the US. Despite challenges in the US, he said that Indian exporters have maintained their exports in that market. The latest round of two-day talks concluded on December 11.

The trade talks between both the countries are important as they are working to finalise the tranche of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Trade talks also assume significance since the Donald Trump administration imposed a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods entering American markets. As part of the pact, the US is seeking duty concessions on agri products like almonds, corn and apples, and industrial goods. India has strongly opposed any concessions in the agri and dairy sectors. India has stated that it will not compromise the interests of farmers and MSMEs. 

With an aim to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, from the current $191 billion, India and the US have held six rounds of negotiations so far. The US remained India's largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year in 2024-25, with bilateral trade valued at $131.84 billion, including $86.5 billion in exports. According to the commerce ministry data, India's merchandise exports to the US rose 22.61% to $6.98 billion in November despite steep 50% tariffs on domestic goods. Imports during the month grew 38.29% to $5.25 billion. During the April-November period of this fiscal year, the country's exports to the US increased 11.38% to $59.04 billion, while imports rose 13.49% to $35.4 billion.

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