The United States and India must conclude a long-pending trade agreement to unlock deeper economic integration and strengthen business confidence, Atul Keshap, President of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), said on Tuesday.
Speaking after a recent visit to India, Keshap said Indian leaders and businesses expressed hope that Washington would move forward with an ambitious trade deal. He noted that negotiations had been conducted diligently over multiple rounds.
Keshap said the business community strongly supports an early agreement, describing it as essential for greater economic integration and long-term growth. He added that uncertainty around tariffs has underscored the need for a clear framework.
Despite tariff challenges, Keshap noted that India’s exports to the US have continued to grow in 2025, while US investments in sectors such as data centres and artificial intelligence remain strong.
He said a trade deal could accelerate progress toward the shared goal of $500 billion in bilateral trade and reinforce strategic cooperation between the two democracies.
