India-US trade talks hit plateau as negotiations drag on

Negotiations between India and the United States on a bilateral trade agreement have stalled, with both sides acknowledging they have reached an impasse on key issues. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described the ongoing talks as having "reached a plateau," signalling that progress has slowed despite continued diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer recently underscored the challenges facing negotiators, stating that a comprehensive trade deal was not imminent. The remarks reflect the complexity of resolving contentious issues that have prevented New Delhi and Washington from sealing an agreement after months of discussions.

The India-US trade relationship has been a priority for both governments, with officials from each side committed to finding common ground. However, tariff disputes, agricultural concerns, and intellectual property protections remain among the thornier topics dividing the two economies.

While neither side has abandoned the negotiation process, the acknowledgment of a plateau suggests the talks may require fresh momentum or new strategic direction to break through the current deadlock. Officials have not provided a timeline for when breakthroughs might be achieved on the stalled issues.