By: The Trek News Desk
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday held key discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Describing the meeting as “constructive and meaningful,” Mr Goyal said both sides explored ways to deepen bilateral trade and economic engagement.
The interaction comes shortly after the two countries decided to defer a scheduled round of negotiations in Washington from February 23-25. The talks were aimed at finalising the proposed Interim Trade Agreement between India and the United States.
The postponement followed a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which struck down the legal provision used by President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on several partner nations, including India. The ruling temporarily influenced the pace of ongoing trade discussions between the two sides.
In response, the Indian government stated that it had taken note of the judgment and was reviewing its possible implications. However, officials did not signal any reconsideration of the proposed Interim Agreement.
Taking to the social media platform X, Mr Goyal said the discussions with Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Gor centred on expanding trade ties and strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations.
Ambassador Gor also termed the meeting “productive,” highlighting the broad scope for collaboration across multiple sectors in the India-U.S. partnership.
So far, both countries have issued only a joint statement confirming that they have agreed upon a framework for a reciprocal and mutually beneficial Interim Trade Agreement. According to earlier remarks by the commerce minister, the deal was expected to be signed by mid-March and implemented by early April.
Following the Supreme Court ruling, Secretary Lutnick stated in a television interview that over the past year, he had consistently assured trade partners that the tariff policy would move forward irrespective of ongoing litigation. He added that no partner country has indicated any withdrawal from proposed agreements so far.
The latest round of engagement underscores continued efforts by New Delhi and Washington to elevate their strategic and economic partnership. Attention now turns to how both sides navigate legal complexities and tariff-related issues to bring the Interim Agreement to a conclusion.
Source: News Agencies
