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India-US Trade Deal Hits 'Plateau', Sitharaman Says Further Progress 'Very Difficult'
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CNBC Awaaz•05-10-2026, 12:38
India-US Trade Deal Hits 'Plateau', Sitharaman Says Further Progress 'Very Difficult'
- •Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that India-US trade agreement negotiations have reached a 'plateau'.
- •Sitharaman indicated that it would be very difficult for both countries to achieve anything more beyond this point.
- •The statement signals a setback for hopes of an early breakthrough in the India-US Trade Deal.
- •Issues like tariff relief and market access persist, increasing uncertainty for export-oriented sectors.
- •Despite the challenges, talks are still ongoing, with negotiations having commenced in February 2025.
Key Questions Answered
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that trade agreement negotiations between India and the US have reached a plateau, making it very difficult for both countries to achieve anything beyond this point. However, she noted that discussions remain ongoing as both sides work through complex issues.
India and the US have been actively negotiating a trade agreement since February 2025 to strengthen their economic ties and resolve long-standing market access barriers.
Nirmala Sitharaman noted that the bilateral trade balance is currently in India's favor, leaving the US with a trade deficit that Washington is seeking to reduce. Additionally, India remains firm on demanding better terms within the trade agreement framework.
