United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is scheduled to visit New Delhi on 23rd-24th June for discussions with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal as India and the United States seek to advance negotiations on a proposed trade agreement, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday.
Agrawal stated that the visit would be brief and that discussions were expected to focus on finalising the framework agreement that had been under discussion since the first week of June. He added that both sides would also continue talks on the broader India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
The visit follows discussions held earlier this month between Indian officials and Brendan Lynch, Assistant United States Trade Representative for South and Central Asia and chief negotiator for the proposed BTA. During Lynch’s visit, the two sides examined a range of issues, including trade in goods, non-tariff measures, customs procedures, trade facilitation and economic security cooperation.
Agrawal indicated that discussions surrounding the United States’ Section 301 investigation into India could also feature during Greer’s visit. He noted that while the investigation was a separate legal matter, it carried significant implications for bilateral trade relations.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed an additional 12.5% tariff on imports from India under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. The provision allows Washington to investigate and respond to trade practices it considers detrimental to US commercial interests.
However, the proposed tariff measure is not expected to take effect immediately. The USTR has invited public comments on the proposal until 6th July and is scheduled to conduct hearings on the matter on 7th July.
Separately, Agrawal said that efforts were continuing to operationalise the India-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He stated that a team of Commerce Ministry officials was currently in London to address outstanding issues that have delayed the implementation of the agreement.
The upcoming visit by Greer is expected to provide fresh momentum to India-US trade negotiations as both countries work towards concluding the framework for a wider bilateral trade pact while simultaneously addressing emerging trade concerns.
