Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : India and the United States are working intensively to finalize the first phase of a significant trade agreement before a July 9 deadline. According to India's Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, this initial "mini-deal" is focused on resolving six long-standing trade disputes between the two economic powerhouses, clearing the path for a much deeper and more comprehensive future partnership.
This crucial step comes after a high-level agreement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden to end their major disagreements at the World Trade Organization (WTO), the global referee for international trade. Successfully settling these issues is seen as a major confidence-building measure that could unlock a new era of bilateral trade.
The disputes being resolved are complex and have been points of friction for years. They include the tariffs the US imposed on Indian steel and aluminum products, and in response, India’s retaliatory tariffs on over two dozen American goods, such as almonds, apples, and walnuts. Other disagreements involve policies related to renewable energy and solar panels.
By clearing these six specific hurdles, both nations aim to clean the slate and build momentum for negotiations on a larger Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Commerce Secretary Barthwal expressed optimism about the progress, highlighting the ongoing discussions between Indian officials and the office of the US Trade Representative, Katherine Tai.
Finalizing this package by the early July target would mark a major diplomatic and economic victory, signaling a stronger strategic alignment between New Delhi and Washington. It would officially end a cycle of retaliatory measures and lay a solid foundation for negotiating a more ambitious trade relationship in the future.
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