US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer visited New Delhi June 23-24 for two days of negotiations with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal focused on finalizing an interim trade deal [1, 2, 3, 4]. The talks aim to complete a fair, balanced, and reciprocal agreement that benefits both nations by boosting exports and jobs [1, 2, 4]. India seeks more favorable terms than other Asian economies to gain a competitive tariff edge and support its exporters, Goyal said: "We are working hard with the US to ensure we get relative advantages so that our exporters can benefit" [1, 2, 4].
The interim framework reached in February reduced US tariffs on Indian goods from highs of 50% down to 18% [1, 2, 3, 4]. That agreement followed the US Supreme Court striking down previous global tariffs on February 20, which complicated negotiations and led to a new temporary 10% universal tariff, set to expire July 24 [1, 2, 3]. The US and India are racing to finalize terms before that deadline to avoid tariff disruptions [1, 3].
India faces US pressure to open its agricultural markets and raise purchases of American energy, technology and military products. New Delhi has committed to buying $500 billion in US goods over five years [4]. Bilateral trade totaled around $149.4 billion in 2025 [4]. The US Embassy in New Delhi stated, "The United States remains focused on securing a fair, reciprocal trade deal that opens markets for American exporters and delivers benefits to both nations" [4].
Deputy Director Vivek Mishra of the Observer Research Foundation noted the talks have involved "some hard bargaining by both sides" and expects Greer's visit to add the "final touch on the trade deal" [3]. The two sides met following a June 17 G7 summit where Modi and Trump discussed trade ties [2, 4].
Negotiators are under a tight schedule with July 24 as the final date to complete the deal before the 10% US temporary tariff expires [1, 3].
