Indian government negotiators are set to travel to Washington next week to engage in another round of discussions aimed at finalising an interim trade agreement with the United States. The visit comes amid renewed momentum, following US President Donald Trump’s remarks indicating that a trade pact with India is “close,” even as he continues to escalate tariff measures globally.

According to sources cited by news agency PTI, a delegation from India’s commerce ministry will hold discussions focused on the interim pact and the first phase of the broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Although the exact schedule is still being finalised, officials suggest the team could depart as early as next week.

India and the US have been locked in negotiations for several months, aiming to resolve trade tensions and avoid steep reciprocal tariffs of up to 26 per cent imposed by the US administration. The potential deal is expected to address key issues including market access, tariff reductions, and easing regulatory hurdles for exports from both sides.

The talks assume strategic importance as both countries seek to strengthen economic ties while navigating shifting global trade dynamics. The outcome of the visit could significantly impact the direction of India-US trade relations in the coming months.