Focus back to India-US trade deal: Trump’s negotiators landing in New Delhi tonight

Fresh rounds of trade negotiations between India and the United States are set to begin on Tuesday, as Washington’s chief negotiator arrives in the country today.

According to a Times of India report, Brendan Lynch, the Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, is expected to land in India tonight to engage in discussions aimed at advancing a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between the two countries.

The Indian delegation will be led by Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, who serves as the country’s chief negotiator in the ongoing trade talks, added the report.

India and the US have been in talks for several months to finalise an interim trade deal, but progress has been slow due to New Delhi’s concerns over Washington’s push to open up the agricultural and dairy sectors, areas considered sensitive for India, ANI reported.

Broader negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) began in March, with both sides aiming to complete the first phase by October–November 2025.

The talks come in the shadow of heightened tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Trump had initially imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods, dashing hopes of an interim trade deal. Just days later, the duties were doubled to 50%, citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil. The new tariffs took effect on August 27.

Trump, in his second term, has revived his “reciprocal tariff” policy, pledging to match duties imposed by countries with which the US runs a trade deficit, including India.

Despite the tensions, both sides have maintained a positive diplomatic tone. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Trump’s comments on bilateral ties, saying he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” the President’s sentiments.

“Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” Mr Modi wrote in a post on X.

In his announcement at the White House, President Trump described India-US relations as a “very special relationship” and stressed that he and PM Modi would always be friends, insisting there was “nothing to worry about”.

With inputs from agencies