Washington, DC

The United States has said it is set to host an Indian delegation in Washington later this month, indicating renewed momentum in efforts by both countries to conclude a proposed bilateral trade agreement.

The development follows a high-level meeting between Ambassador Sergio Gor and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Sharing details on X, Gor described the interaction as productive, noting that discussions focused on advancing US trade priorities in South and Central Asia.

He also underlined the ongoing nature of negotiations, stating that India and the United States have previously reached an understanding on a trade framework and expressing readiness to receive the Indian delegation in Washington soon.

The announcement comes alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s three-day visit to the US, where he is holding discussions with senior American officials on a range of issues, including trade, defence, and critical technologies.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit is aimed at reviewing and strengthening the overall strategic partnership between the two countries. It provides an opportunity to assess cooperation across key sectors and further deepen bilateral engagement.

India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, also highlighted that the visit allows both sides to take stock of the broad India-US partnership and push forward discussions on major areas of mutual interest, including economic ties and global developments.

These diplomatic engagements are taking place amid a changing geopolitical scenario, shortly after a conditional 14-day ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran. The deal, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, is expected to influence global shipping routes and energy markets.

On the trade front, the planned talks in Washington build on recent discussions between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the WTO ministerial meeting in Yaounde. The leaders had reviewed the next steps in negotiations for the proposed bilateral trade agreement and explored ways to enhance economic cooperation.

Although both sides announced in February that they had finalised a framework for the first phase of the trade pact, the agreement has yet to be formally signed. The upcoming visit by the Indian delegation is therefore seen as an important step toward finalising the deal.

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The MEA noted that the Foreign Secretary’s visit continues the engagement seen during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s trip to Washington earlier this year, reflecting sustained high-level dialogue between the two nations.