India and the United States are set to advance negotiations on a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) as United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer prepares to visit New Delhi for high-level discussions later this month.
According to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Greer is scheduled to arrive in India on June 22 and will participate in discussions with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on June 23 and 24. The talks are expected to focus on finalizing the framework of the proposed trade agreement while also reviewing the broader economic relationship between the two countries.
The visit comes at a crucial stage in India-US trade negotiations, with both sides seeking to deepen economic cooperation and address outstanding trade issues. Officials indicated that discussions will cover a wide range of subjects aimed at strengthening bilateral commerce and enhancing market access opportunities.
Addressing recent developments in global affairs, Agrawal welcomed the announcement of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that the understanding would contribute to long-term stability in West Asia. He emphasized the importance of sustained peace in the region given its significance to global trade, energy security, and economic growth.
On the issue of ongoing US Section 301 investigations, Agrawal stated that India remains actively engaged with American authorities through established diplomatic and trade channels. He noted that India has presented its position and continues to participate in discussions while awaiting the outcome of the legal process.
The Commerce Secretary expressed confidence that the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement would help provide greater clarity on broader trade concerns and contribute to a more predictable framework for economic engagement between the two countries.
The announcement coincided with the release of India’s latest trade data, which highlighted strong export performance. Merchandise exports reached USD 45.2 billion in May 2026, representing an 18 percent increase compared with the same month a year earlier. Officials described the figure as one of the highest monthly merchandise export levels achieved by the country.
India’s export growth has been supported by expanding global demand, diversification of markets, and increased integration with international supply chains. Government initiatives aimed at improving competitiveness and facilitating trade have also contributed to the upward trend.
Agrawal noted that India’s overall exports have nearly doubled over the past twelve years, rising from USD 446 billion to USD 863 billion. Services exports have shown even stronger momentum, increasing from USD 142 billion to USD 420 billion during the same period, underscoring the growing importance of India’s services sector in the global economy.
The government has also pursued an active trade diplomacy strategy, concluding nine trade agreements with 38 countries over the past five years. These agreements are intended to expand market access, strengthen economic partnerships, and position India more effectively within global value chains.
With trade negotiations gaining momentum and export performance remaining robust, the upcoming visit by the US Trade Representative is expected to play an important role in shaping the future trajectory of one of the world’s most significant economic partnerships. Both countries are aiming to create a framework that supports long-term growth, investment, and mutually beneficial trade relations.
