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Jaishankar, Rubio push for early conclusion of India-US trade deal
The call followed a recent visit to New Delhi by US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch.
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 07, Apr 2025
- 15:53 EDT
- 117
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio / Wikipedia
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed on the need to conclude an India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) at the earliest during a phone call on April 7.
This dialogue comes against the backdrop of recent US tariff impositions on Indian exports, intensifying the urgency for expedited negotiations.
Also Read: India sees no hit to projected growth from US tariffs, economists remain sceptical
In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar said, “Good to speak with @SecRubio today. Exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Sub-continent, Europe, Middle East/West Asia and the Caribbean. Agreed on the importance of the early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement. Look forward to remaining in touch.”
Good to speak with @SecRubio today.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 7, 2025
Exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Sub-continent, Europe, Middle East/West Asia and the Caribbean.
Agreed on the importance of the early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement.
Look forward to remaining in touch.…
The call followed a recent visit by US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, who led a delegation to New Delhi for trade talks from March 25 to 29. The discussions focused on advancing the BTA by enhancing market access and addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers—issues that have long featured in bilateral trade talks.
The urgency around the trade agreement has been heightened by the US’s recent tariff measures. On April 2, President Donald Trump imposed a 27 percent reciprocal tariff on Indian imports, as part of broader trade actions that also target Chinese and European Union goods.
Despite the pressure, Indian officials have maintained a positive outlook. The government projects economic growth of 6.3 to 6.8 percent for the 2025–26 fiscal year, conditional on stable oil prices. However, some private economists have lowered their forecasts in light of the new tariffs.
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