The President of the US-India Business Council, Atul Keshap, has strongly advocated for India and the United States to conclude a trade agreement that has remained unresolved for years. Speaking after his recent visit to India, Keshap emphasized that finalising the pact would play a critical role in strengthening economic integration and restoring confidence among businesses operating in both markets.
Keshap pointed out that trade relations between the two countries are already on an upward trajectory, but unresolved tariff issues continue to create uncertainty. Addressing US-imposed tariffs on Indian exports, he noted that India has taken proactive steps to diversify its export destinations. This strategy has helped cushion the impact of tariff pressures while maintaining export momentum. Despite these challenges, India’s merchandise exports to the United States recorded growth in 2025, reflecting the resilience of bilateral trade ties.
According to Keshap, a well-structured agreement that lowers tariffs would deliver tangible benefits for producers and exporters in both nations. Reduced trade barriers could improve cost competitiveness, strengthen supply chains, and encourage higher trade volumes across key sectors. He stressed that cooperation, rather than protectionism, would create long-term value for businesses on both sides.
Keshap also highlighted that India has the opportunity to introduce innovative policy proposals that could open wider access to its markets for American exporters. Such steps, he said, would demonstrate mutual trust and accelerate progress toward the shared objective of achieving bilateral trade in goods and services worth 500,000 million dollars. Reaching this milestone would mark a significant leap in the economic partnership between the two democracies.
The ongoing trade discussions are unfolding alongside expanding strategic collaboration in areas such as defence, technology, and resilient supply chains. Over the past decade, trade between India and the United States has steadily increased, with US companies increasingly viewing India as a stable and attractive long-term investment destination. Keshap concluded that finalising the trade agreement would not only deepen commercial ties but also reinforce the broader strategic relationship shaping the future of India-US cooperation.
