India and the United States have reopened formal trade discussions in Washington, with a fresh round of negotiations beginning on Monday.
The Indian delegation, led by senior officials, is expected to be joined by Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agrawal on Wednesday. The meetings are scheduled to continue for at least four days, as both sides attempt to reach a breakthrough ahead of a new tariff deadline.
This renewed effort follows the failure to finalise a long-anticipated mini trade agreement by the earlier deadline of July 9. That date had also marked the end of a temporary suspension on US tariffs targeting certain Indian exports.
However, the Trump administration has now pushed the pause on tariffs to August 1, giving negotiators a short but critical window to secure a broader and more comprehensive agreement.
Key points of contention continue to include agricultural and dairy market access, as well as digital trade regulations.
Indian officials are reportedly holding firm on their non-negotiable positions in politically sensitive areas such as agriculture.
This latest round of dialogue is seen as a turning point, especially as concerns grow over the possibility of the US imposing new tariffs on additional sectors like pharmaceuticals and exports linked to BRICS economies.
Indian negotiators had hoped to secure a commitment against further tariff threats, but such assurances have so far not been included in the ongoing talks.
Despite the hurdles, both sides have described the discussions as “constructive,” with hopes still alive that a meaningful trade accord could be reached before the August 1 deadline.