India, U.S. presently engaged in lively negotiations on Bilateral Trade Agreement: Govt in Parliament

In a written response to a question within the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh additionally stated, “Discussions are aimed at adopting an integrated approach to further strengthen and deepen bilateral trade relations, including through enhanced mutual market access, reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers, and closer integration of supply chains.” The Ministry of External Affairs was requested by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi whether or not the federal government has taken notice of the current announcement by the U.S. administration concerning the reimposition of tariffs on Indian exports.

“On the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Washington, DC on 1 July 2025, the External Affairs Minister referred to the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations that are going on between India and the U.S.,” Mr. Singh stated.

Both sides acknowledged the significance of “maintaining positive momentum” in these negotiations and expressed their dedication to an early conclusion of the primary tranche of a mutually useful, multi-sector BTA, the MoS stated.

“The trade teams of both countries are presently engaged in active negotiations on the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA),” he added.

Mr. Singh stated that on April 2, 2025, the U.S. introduced the imposition of further advert valorem reciprocal duties on 185 international locations (together with the European Union). As per the order, a ten% tariff was imposed on all international locations efficient April 5 this yr. From April 9, this was to be revised to “country-specific tariffs”.

“The reciprocal tariff applicable to India was fixed at 26%. Subsequently, a 90-day pause, till 9 July 2025, was authorised with substantially lower reciprocal tariff of 10 per cent. On 7 July 2025, the implementation date for the reciprocal tariffs was further extended from 9 July 2025 to 1 August 2025,” he added.