US Trade Representative Highlights Progress But No Immediate Trade Deal with India

In a recent statement, United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated that while the US and India are making strides towards finalizing a trade agreement, a conclusive deal is not expected in the immediate future. Speaking on Thursday, Greer noted that both nations have identified several key issues that are hindering negotiations.

Greer’s comments followed a meeting with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal during the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He described the dialogue with Goyal as “very constructive,” emphasizing the continuous efforts being made to address the sticking points in the trade discussions.

Despite the positive tone, Greer was candid about the challenges that remain, stating, “I do not think there is something imminent, but we truly have identified the universe of items that are sticking points.” His remarks underscore the complexity of reaching a consensus on trade matters that have significant implications for both economies.

Moreover, Greer mentioned that US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could engage in further discussions soon to evaluate the ongoing progress of the trade negotiations. This comes after a recent review of bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, defense, energy, and critical technologies, by the two leaders.

The backdrop of these discussions includes recent legislative changes in the US allowing for tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil, a move that has implications for India as well. The evolving geopolitical landscape and economic relations between the two nations continue to shape the trajectory of the trade talks.

Source: scroll.in