New Delhi,November 17, 2025
India and the United States are on the verge of finalising the first tranche of their long-awaited bilateral trade agreement, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal confirmed on Monday. Speaking in New Delhi, he stated that the initial phase—focused mainly on reciprocal tariff adjustments—is “near closure” and aims to deliver quick, measurable progress before the broader trade pact is sealed. Officials emphasized that the framework is being designed to fully comply with WTO norms while fast-tracking benefits for both nations.
Agrawal noted that while no formal deadline has been set, both sides are committed to concluding this phase “sooner rather than later.” The first tranche is expected to unlock smoother market access and reduce long-standing tariff friction, setting the foundation for a deeper and more comprehensive trade deal. The complete agreement, once finalized, is projected to significantly boost bilateral trade, supporting India’s target of reaching USD 500 billion in trade with the US by 2030.
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