An Indian trade delegation is set to return to Washington soon for follow-up negotiations with the U.S. aimed at finalizing both an interim trade deal and the first phase of a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), according to a senior commerce ministry official . This visit follows earlier rounds of dialogue that failed to resolve key issues around tariffs on auto components, steel, and agricultural products.

India continues to push back against U.S. demands to open its agriculture and dairy sectors, instead seeking preferential tariff treatment similar to Vietnam and China . Meanwhile, the U.S. has extended its additional import duties on Indian goods through August 1, adding urgency to the talks .

A senior trade official emphasized that all negotiations will “prioritize India’s national interest,” with goals of finalizing the interim agreement before August and concluding the first phase by fall 2025. India is also pursuing parallel trade deals with the EU, UK, and Australia as part of its global trade integration strategy.