New Round of India-US Trade Negotiations Starts in Washington

India and the United States have begun a fresh round of trade negotiations in Washington aimed at giving final shape to a long-awaited bilateral trade deal.

A delegation of around a dozen Indian officials arrived in the US capital for the three-day talks scheduled from April 20 to 22. The Indian side is being led by Darpan Jain, along with representatives from the Customs Department and the Ministry of External Affairs.

The discussions are focused on the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement and build on earlier rounds aimed at finalising an interim arrangement between the two countries.

Officials said the Washington meeting is expected to advance negotiations already held on the interim pact.

The talks come amid changes in the US tariff regime after a Supreme Court ruling against sweeping tariffs imposed under emergency powers. Washington later introduced a temporary 10 per cent tariff on imports from all countries for 150 days beginning February 24.