India-US Trade Deal Talks Near Final Stage
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says both sides are working through unresolved issues, while another call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump may follow soon.
India and the United States are approaching the final stage of negotiations on a proposed trade agreement, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on October 1, 2026. He indicated that officials from both countries were working to resolve the remaining issues, although a final announcement was not imminent.
Speaking on the sidelines of the G20 trade ministers' meeting in Milwaukee, Greer described his recent discussion with India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal as constructive. He said the two sides had identified the outstanding points and were working to address them.
LEADERS MAY SPEAK AGAIN
Greer said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump could hold another phone call soon to review progress in the trade negotiations.
Modi and Trump spoke on September 30 and reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy and critical technologies, according to India's Prime Minister's Office. They also discussed regional and international developments.
Goyal is visiting the United States from September 29 to October 5 for discussions aimed at advancing an interim trade agreement. The Commerce Ministry has said the engagement is intended to move the proposed arrangement forward in line with the framework announced by the two countries in February.
KEY ISSUES REMAIN
Despite progress in discussions, the two countries have not finalised the agreement. Greer said the remaining sticking points were being addressed and cautioned that a deal announcement was not imminent.
The negotiations have faced difficulties over tariffs and other trade terms. In August 2025, the United States raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, including an additional levy linked to India's purchases of Russian oil. These measures have remained part of the wider context surrounding the trade discussions.
A joint statement issued in February 2026 outlined a framework for a trade agreement, including a proposed reduction in the US reciprocal tariff on Indian goods and steps by India concerning tariffs on US products. However, the interim agreement has yet to be finalised, and the eventual terms remain subject to negotiations.