India-US trade negotiations hit plateau, says Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday acknowledged that bilateral trade negotiations between India and the United States have plateaued, signalling a slowdown in efforts to expand commercial ties between the two nations.

Sitharaman's comments reflect the challenges both countries face in advancing their trade agenda, with discussions appearing to have hit a ceiling in terms of new breakthroughs. The minister's remarks suggest that the negotiating positions of both New Delhi and Washington have hardened around core issues, making further concessions difficult.

However, Sitharaman did not entirely close the door on future progress. She indicated that if opportunities emerge for either side to manoeuvre or find common ground, both nations would be willing to pursue them. Her statement suggests a cautiously optimistic outlook, even as current momentum has stalled.

The plateau in talks comes at a time when India and the US are seeking to deepen economic cooperation as part of their broader strategic partnership. Trade negotiations between the two nations have been ongoing for several years, with both sides prioritising tariff reductions and market access across various sectors.