Why was the India-US trade deal delayed? | Explained

The two countries also continue to discuss other non-tariff aspects of the agreement, such as better market access, digital trade, supply chain resilience, reduction of non-tariff barriers and expanded cooperation in strategic sectors. File | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Story so far: India and OUR they announced in February 2025 that they would work on a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement (BTA) to be completed by the fall of 2025. Then, in February 2026, they signed a framework agreement on an interim trade agreement that was to be implemented by April-May 2026. Neither of these materialized. Hind explains the latest issues that have led to the delays.

Soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump announced their intentions to complete the BTA in February 2025, it was clear that a comprehensive agreement would be elusive. There was talk among government officials of completing at least the first tranche of the deal by fall 2025 (September to November 2025).

Published – 25 Jun 2026 12:22 IST