India, US Set to Advance Bilateral Trade Pact During Piyush Goyal Visit

India and the United States are set to step up negotiations on a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's upcoming meetings in the US expected to focus on resolving key issues and advancing an interim trade arrangement.

Goyal is scheduled to attend the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 30 and October 1 at the invitation of US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. His discussions with Greer are expected to play a key role in taking forward the trade negotiations.

According to an official statement, India and the US will work towards finalising an interim trade deal in line with the joint statement issued by the two countries on February 7, 2026.

A key priority for India is ensuring that domestic exporters receive meaningful tariff advantages over competitors in other markets, rather than simply securing a lower headline tariff.

India is also expected to reiterate its support for a rules-based, open, inclusive and transparent global trading system during the discussions, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) remaining at the centre of the multilateral framework.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal had earlier indicated that negotiations on the proposed trade agreement were largely complete, with the two countries now working on a mechanism to provide preferential market access before the agreement is formally signed.

Agrawal had explained that India primarily operates under most-favoured-nation tariffs, while the US has been using executive tariffs. According to him, the proposed agreement therefore requires an architecture that creates tariff differentials and provides preferential access for Indian exporters.

Goyal's visit will also include a series of bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries.

The discussions are expected to cover opportunities for a wide range of Indian businesses, including farmers, fishermen, women entrepreneurs, startups and micro, small and medium enterprises.

During his visit, Goyal is also scheduled to meet senior executives from major US companies in sectors including manufacturing, consumer goods, agribusiness, retail and technology. These engagements are planned in Milwaukee and Chicago.

The visit comes as India and the US seek to move the proposed trade agreement closer to implementation, with preferential market access and tariff structures remaining among the key areas under discussion.