India-US Trade Deal Update: 7-hour talks end positively, confirm both sides

India-US Trade Talks on September 16: A crucial meeting between Indian and American trade representatives went on smoothly and productively after US Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday.  

India-US trade deal talks end positively

After the negotiations, which went on for seven hours, a US Embassy spokesperson confirmed that the meeting between both sides went on positively.

The spokesperson also said that the meeting was to discuss “next steps in bilateral trade negotiations” between both sides. 

The teams — led by Lynch and Indian Commerce and Industry Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal — were learned to have discussed a number of important aspects during the deliberations. 

What Indian government said after Tuesday’s meeting in New Delhi

Acknowledging the enduring importance of bilateral trade between India and the US, the Indian government described the talks as “positive and forward-looking”.

It also said that the discussions covered various aspects of the potential trade agreement, with both sides agreeing that efforts will be further intensified to conclude a mutually beneficial trade agreement at the earliest.

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Tuesday’s meeting marked a sixth round of discussions between representatives from both sides to finalise the terms of a potential trade deal between the world’s largest and fifth-largest economies. 

The development comes roughly a fortnight after the Donald Trump 2.0 administration imposed an additional 25 per cent duty on Indian goods, taking the total tariff to 50 per cent, over India’s Russian oil purchases.

Earlier this month, marking a notable shift in tone amid previously strained trade relations, leaders from both sides hope that a US-India trade deal could be finalized by the end of the year.

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India has already clarified its stance against the West’s criticism of its oil purchases from Russia, describing it as “unjustified and unreasonable” as Western countries themselves continue substantial trade with Russia in energy and other goods.

Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the India-US trade relations in September 2025: 

FAQs on India-US Trade Talks, September 16, 2025

What was the purpose of Tuesday’s meeting?

The meeting focused on next steps in bilateral trade talks in a step towards a final deal between the world’s largest and fifth-largest economies. 

How did both sides describe the outcome of the meeting?

Both sides described the talks as positive.

The Indian government mentioned its intent to speed up efforts towards a mutually beneficial trade pact.

How many rounds of talks have happened in 2025?

This was learned to be the sixth round of discussions.

What is the main challenge in US-India trade relations?

The US has imposed an extra 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods over Russian oil purchases, taking its overall duty to 50 per cent.

India has called this unfair.

Going forward, any progress on the matter will depend on the easing of these tariffs.

What are the chances of a US-India trade deal this year?

Leaders from both sides have expressed hope for a year-end agreement.

Some experts say that a breakthrough may be difficult without resolving the tariff issue.