Recent meetings between India and the US are being described as “Positive and forward-looking”. Brendan Lynch led the US delegation, while Rajesh Agarwal led India’s counterpart delegation. Both sides agreed to step up the pace of negotiations to reach an early conclusion. Discussions covered a broad aspect of bilateral trade.
On Sept 16, 2025, the US delegation led by Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South & Central Asia, visited New Delhi. India’s side was led by Rajesh Agarwal, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce. The talks were held at the Commerce Ministry, with the agenda being the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and broader trade and regulatory issues.
Both Sides described the discussion as “Positive and forward-looking.” India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry said these talks cover “various aspects of the trade deal,” affirming the “enduring importance of bilateral trade between the two countries.” Efforts will be intensified to conclude a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement.
The meeting follows heavy trade tensions as the US had imposed a 25% tariff on some Indian goods in July 2025, and then in August doubled the effective tariff to 50% due to India’s continued purchase of oil from Russia. As a result of the tariff, India’s exports to the US dropped from about US$8.01 billion in July to US$6.86 billion in August. A planned earlier talk was postponed after India resisted US demands.
The US is pushing India to reduce its import of Russian oil. While this remains an issue, India has economic and energy security reasons for sourcing oil. Another major issue remains of opening up the Indian agriculture or dairy sectors to US exports. Reports also mentioned that regulatory and non-tariff barrier issues are also part of the discussions.
Intensify efforts in the near term to try to wrap up a trade deal that both sides decide on. There is a chance of a formal sixth round of trade negotiations. Meanwhile, both governments will likely follow up with technical working groups to resolve specific sectoral issues.
For Indian exporters, the high US tariffs are significantly cutting competitiveness. The drop in exports for just one month is a clear indication of pain. Domestic political sensitivity in India over agriculture, energy sourcing, and sovereignty constraints means any deal must protect domestic interests. The US securing reduced trade barriers from India is tied to broader geopolitical goals.
Both President Trump and Prime Minister Modi have made statements indicating a willingness to continue talks.
