Stories
Trade Agreement Crucial for Stronger India-US Ties: EAM Jaishankar
- •External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that a trade agreement between India and the US would significantly improve bilateral relations.
- •Jaishankar acknowledged that expectations for rapid progress in trade negotiations were challenged by complex ground realities, given India's society of small producers.
- •He noted that an understanding on the trade agreement has largely been reached, but the impact of the new Section 301 process on the American side remains a key issue.
- •The Minister highlighted that the time taken to finalize the agreement caused friction last year, and its closure would contribute to a better relationship.
- •Jaishankar also emphasized that bilateral ties are influenced by internal US developments and public opinion in the social media era.
Key Questions Answered
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that concluding a trade agreement between India and the US would contribute to better bilateral ties. He noted that while expectations of rapid progress were tested by complex ground realities, there is now more or less an understanding on the trade agreement.
Changes in the US tariff landscape, including the Supreme Court striking down reciprocal tariffs and the US imposing an additional 10 per cent tariff under Section 301, led to further negotiations on the pact. The evolving Section 301 process raised questions regarding when to close out the advanced agreement.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goya will visit the US from September 29 to October 5 to attend a G20 meeting in Milwaukee and hold discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to advance talks on the bilateral trade agreement.
