New Delhi: A US delegation, which was supposed to come to India from August 25 to 29 for the sixth round of negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), may now postpone the visit, according to an official. So far, five rounds of talks have already taken place between the two countries.
Tariffs deepen tensions
This possible delay is important as it comes at a time when the US has increased tariffs on Indian goods. A 25 percent duty is already in place from August 7, while another 25 percent duty will be imposed from August 27 as a penalty for India’s crude oil and defence purchases from Russia.
Sensitive issues in talks
The US wants India to open its market further in sensitive areas like agriculture and dairy. However, India has made it clear that it cannot compromise on these sectors as they directly affect the livelihoods of millions of small and marginal farmers, as well as cattle rearers.
Targets for trade growth
Both countries have agreed to conclude the first phase of the BTA by fall (September–October) 2025. The aim is to more than double bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030, from the current USD 191 billion.
India-US trade figures
According to Commerce Ministry data, during April–July 2025, India’s exports to the US rose 21.64 percent to USD 33.53 billion, while imports from the US increased 12.33 percent to USD 17.41 billion. With this, the US emerged as India’s largest trading partner during the April–July period, with bilateral trade worth USD 12.56 billion. India’s exports to the US have been showing positive growth since April this year.
