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India-U.S. trade talks begin; analysts warn of U.S. approval hurdles

India-US trade talks begin, but concerns rise over lack of US Congressional approval and potential changes after the agreement is signed.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak during the welcoming ceremony, as Trump arrives at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India February 24, 2020. / REUTERS/Al Drago/ File Photo

High-stakes trade talks between India and the United States kicked off on March 25 in New Delhi, but concerns are already mounting over the legitimacy of the process. While officials from both nations are aiming to hammer out the framework for a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, trade analysts are questioning the integrity of the negotiations, particularly given the absence of prior approval from the U.S. Congress.  

Brendan Lynch, the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, is leading a U.S. government delegation in discussions with Indian counterparts from the Union Commerce Ministry. The meetings, scheduled to run from March 25th to March 29th, 2025 are intended to finalize the blueprint, negotiation timeline, and terms of reference for the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The first phase of this ambitious deal is slated for completion by the fall of 2025. 

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