Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said some members of the US delegation have already arrived, while the remaining members are expected later in the day.
Last week, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said both countries were on the verge of finalising an interim trade deal, with only about 1% of the negotiations remaining as the two sides target an agreement in the coming weeks.
Referring to the ambassador’s remarks, Goyal said most issues have already been settled, with only minor details, such as “commas and full stops”, left to be finalised. He added that legal changes required on the US side would be reflected in the agreement and expressed hope that the first tranche of the BTA would be concluded soon, while discussions on a broader trade pact would continue.
Government sources said the negotiations will focus on securing relief from tariff measures linked to Section 301 investigations and obtaining preferential market access for Indian exports relative to competing countries.
Sources added that US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer could visit India once the broad contours of the agreement are finalised.
Earlier, the Commerce Ministry said the visit of the US delegation, led by its chief negotiator, is aimed at finalising details of the interim agreement and advancing negotiations under the broader BTA framework.
Key areas of discussion are expected to include market access, non-tariff measures, customs and trade facilitation, investment promotion, and economic security cooperation.
India and the US had agreed on a framework for an interim agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade in a joint statement issued on February 7, 2026, which also reaffirmed their commitment to negotiating a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement.
Subsequently, an Indian delegation visited Washington, DC, from April 20 to April 23, 2026, for in-person discussions with US counterparts.
