Goyal-Lutnick meet in New Delhi signals push on India-US trade deal
Goyal-Lutnick meet in New Delhi signals push on India-US trade deal
India-US trade talks push forward as Goyal and Lutnick meet in New Delhi, underscoring ongoing discussions and a goal of boosting bilateral trade.
NEW DELHI: Amid uncertainty over tariffs imposed by the US, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal met US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick in the capital on Thursday, signaling that both sides remain engaged on the issue. Details of their exchanges were not disclosed, but Goyal said on social media they had 'engaged in very fruitful discussions to expand our trade and economic partnership.' On X, US ambassador Sergio Gor called the lunch 'highly productive' and noted many areas of cooperation between the two nations.
Officials say the interim framework under which the US would lower the reciprocal tariff for India to 18% is on hold, but both sides are still working toward boosting bilateral trade, with a target of $500 billion in two-way commerce, a plan echoed by both governments. The US embassy highlighted the shared goal set by PM Modi and US President Trump. Lutnick had in the past been a tariff hawk, criticizing India's duties and oil purchases, but the meeting signals a continued channel of communication even as Washington recalibrates its tariff strategy following a Supreme Court decision.
The meeting followed Lutnick's trip to India to attend a wedding in Jodhpur, where he saw Goyal and their spouses in attendance in a photo released by the US embassy. A note that 'After Friday's Supreme Court ruling, India and the US decided to reschedule the visit by chief negotiator Darpan' underscores the ongoing diplomatic balancing act as negotiators move toward finalizing the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement. Both sides remain in the process of finalising the legal text for that phase.
