US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File photo)
On Tuesday, an important meeting was held in New Delhi regarding the trade deal between India and the US. US Chief Negotiator Brendon Lynch and his team met with the officials of the Ministry of Commerce. Rajesh Aggarwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Industry and his team were involved in this meeting for India. This meeting was not officially a sixth round of talks, but part of the preparation and conversation before the sixth round.
Trying to pursue a stalled conversation again
Till some time ago there was a hindrance in negotiations between the two countries, especially on the demand for more access to India’s agriculture and dairy markets. India rejected this demand, which stopped the conversation. But now there is a positive intention to bring the conversation back on track again from both sides. In the meeting held on Tuesday, both sides said to complete the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November. It was also decided when the sixth round of talks will start and which issues will be discussed.
Expectations increased by Modi and Trump’s statement
US President Donald Trump has said that the two countries are continuing talks between them to remove trade obstacles. He described Prime Minister Modi as his “very good friend”. Prime Minister Modi also said that India and America are close friends and natural partners. These things of the two leaders further strengthen this dialogue.
India and America deal possible
In the meeting held on Tuesday, senior officials of both countries are talking about the first phase of the trade agreement. He also decided which aspects to focus in the upcoming talks. Indian officials clarified that the meeting was not a formal conversation of the sixth round, but the preparations and strategies before that were discussed. BTA’s conversation between India and America is gaining momentum again. The stance of both countries is positive and they are committed to completing the first phase by November. Negotiations are still going on on sensitive issues like agriculture and dairy markets, but both sides are hoping that soon further talks will be agreed.