India-US trade deal aims to reduce barriers, enhance market access: MEA

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said that India has raised concerns with UK over a security breach during external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s visit.

Updated on: Mar 7, 2025, 19:15:39 IST

By HT News Desk

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The ministry of external affairs on Friday said the India-US trade deal aims to lower tariff and non-tariff barriers, expand market access, and strengthen supply chain integration.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said discussions are centred on boosting two-way trade in goods and services while ensuring a mutually beneficial agreement.

“During Prime Minister Modi's visit to the United States last month, both sides announced that they will engage and negotiate a multi-sector bilateral trade agreement,” he said.

Jaiswal was responding to a question on the Trump administration’s remarks on retaliatory tariffs against India.

Jaisal also added that Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal’s recent visit to the US was part of ongoing efforts to advance the agreement.

“The two governments are working to enhance trade across goods and services, improve market access, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepen supply chain integration,” he added.

The MEA also said that India has conveyed its deep concern to UK authorities over a security breach during external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s visit.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar faced a tense moment in London when Khalistani extremists attempted to target him as he departed from a discussion at Chatham House.

Pro-Khalistan demonstrators assembled outside the venue, waving flags and chanting slogans against Jaishankar’s visit. ANI reported that they tried to interfere with his engagements.

“We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations,” said Randhir Jaiswal.

In April 2023, India urged the UK to step up surveillance of Khalistan supporters after protesters removed the Indian flag from the diplomatic mission's building.

Meanwhile, Jaiswal also informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with an Indian Defence Forces contingent and an Indian Navy ship, will take part in the National Day celebrations in Mauritius.

With PTI, Reuters

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