India-US held first in-person trade talks after 50% tariffs imposed by Trump

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON – According to media reports on Tuesday the Ministry of Commerce in a statement stated that India and the US decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement.

The Ministry of Commerce said its officials held “positive and forward-looking” trade talks with a US delegation led by Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch in New Delhi.

“A team of officials from the office of United States Trade Representative led by Chief Negotiator, India US Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations Mr.Brendan Lynch visited India on September 16, 2025.

They held discussions with officials from Department of Commerce, led by Special Secretary, Department of Commerce on India-US trade ties including on the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement,” the statement said.

It stated that both sides acknowledged the enduring importance of bilateral trade between India and the US

“The discussions were positive and forward looking covering various aspects of the trade deal,” the statement added.

The the trade talks faced headwinds with Trump and his administration targeted 50% tariffs on India over its Russian oil imports.

The experts cautioned that it was part of the US President’s pressure tactics to force India to sign an unjust trade deal.

It also led to a strain in the bilateral ties until Trump reached out to PM Modi and praised his leadership in a social media post.

Modi also reciprocated positively paving the way for resumption of the trade negotiations.