India-US Trade Talks: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to US President Donald Trump on the progress in the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership. The duo underlined importance of sustaining momentum in shared efforts to enhance bilateral trade in their telephonic conversation.
The conversation between the two heads of state is seen as a big breakthrough as it comes hours after a US delegation held a meeting at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry at Vanijya Bhavan in Delhi. Deputy US Ambassador for Trade, Rick Switzer, has been on a two-day visit to India to engage in high-level discussions with Indian officials.
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"Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the U.S. will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity. @realDonaldTrump @POTUS," said PM Modi on X.
Govt's Attempt For India-US Free Trade
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday asserted that the US should sign the free trade agreement with India if Washington is happy with what has been offered by New Delhi.
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He welcomed the Trump administration's views on India's offer, but refrained from giving a deadline for the signing of the long-awaited free trade agreement between the two nations.
The Union Minister was reacting to a comment by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, who said that the US has received the "best ever" offer from India. "His happiness is very much welcome. And, I do believe that if they are very happy, they should be signing on the dotted lines," said Goyal.
He, however, declined to specify India's offer to the US. The minister said there have been five rounds of negotiations with the US on the trade deal, and added that US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer's ongoing visit to India is not centred around negotiations.
(With PTI inputs)