The Commerce Ministry on Friday clarified that India and the United States are continuing discussions aimed at finalising a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement, dismissing reports that suggested a pause in engagement between the two countries.
In an official statement, the ministry said it had taken note of a media report claiming that bilateral trade discussions had been put on hold. The government, however, rejected the claim and reiterated that talks between the two sides remain ongoing.
“We have noted a media report regarding ongoing trade talks with the US It is denied that there is any hold off in bilateral engagement. It is reiterated that the two sides remain engaged for a mutually beneficial trade agreement,” the Commerce Ministry said.
The clarification comes at a time when trade relations between major global economies are under close scrutiny. On March 11, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated a fresh round of Section 301 investigations targeting the policies and industrial practices of sixteen economies, including India and China.
Section 301 investigations are conducted by the USTR to examine whether certain trade practices of foreign countries are unfair or discriminatory and whether they affect US commerce.
The latest developments also follow a decision by the US Supreme Court that struck down sweeping tariffs introduced earlier by the US administration.
Subsequently, US President Donald Trump announced a new tariff measure, imposing a 10 per cent duty on imports from all countries for a temporary period of one hundred and fifty days starting February 24.
Against this backdrop, the Commerce Ministry’s statement highlights that dialogue between India and the US on trade matters continues, with both sides working towards an agreement that would benefit their economic interests.
