India–US bilateral trade agreement talks continue after customs facilitation visit

US officials visited India this month to discuss trade and customs facilitation, an official said on Tuesday. The visit involved a two-member team. India and the US are also staying in contact over the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement, or BTA. Both sides are working towards finalising that initial stage of the proposed pact.

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An official said, "There was a two-member team, which was here for discussions on trade and customs facilitation.\" India and the US agreed on a framework for the first phase in February. Since then, shifts in the tariff situation have required more talks. India wants better tariff terms than Bangladesh, Vietnam and Cambodia.

India-US trade agreement talks and mid-term election outcome

The trade discussion has drawn attention after US President Donald Trump faced a crushing mid-term election defeat. Another official said the result will not affect the trade pact discussions. The focus remains on moving the first phase ahead. Officials indicated that working-level contact between both sides is continuing as talks progress.

India-US trade agreement and tariff changes under Section 301

The tariff environment has changed since the February framework. The US imposed an extra 10 per cent import duty on several countries, including India, from July 24. The duty followed a US probe into forced labour under Section 301. This additional charge applies on top of existing MFN most favoured nation rates.

India is also discussing a second Section 301 investigation with the US. That inquiry is linked to concerns about excess industrial capacity. At the same time, India is pressing for lower US tariffs on Indian goods. Indian officials see this as important for competing with other exporting nations in the same categories.

India-US trade agreement and Piyush Goyal’s comments on sensitive interests

Last month, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the India-US trade deal would safeguard India’s sensitive interests. Goyal said people would welcome the agreement once details are public. Goyal also said the interests of farmers and other stakeholders would not be compromised through the proposed arrangement.

Officials said work is continuing on the first phase of the BTA despite the tariff revisions. The February framework remains the base for negotiations, while newer US duties and investigations shape the next steps. India’s aim is improved market access in the US, while keeping sensitive domestic interests protected.

With inputs from PTI