Politics · India Bureau
Trade pact could strengthen India-US ties, says Jaishankar
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said a bilateral trade agreement with the United States would contribute to deepening ties between the two countries, while acknowledging that negotiations face greater complexities than initially anticipated.
LSN India ·
Jaishankar made the remarks during a session at the Asia Society in New York on Monday, addressing members of the Indian-American community and policy experts as the high-level week of the UN General Assembly's 81st session drew to a close.
The minister noted that expectations of rapid progress in India-US trade negotiations have been "tested" against a more intricate ground reality. When asked by moderator Daniel Russel, a former American diplomat, about measures needed to place bilateral relations on a "better track", Jaishankar acknowledged the complexities involved while reaffirming the potential of a trade agreement to strengthen the partnership.
The comments come against a backdrop of ongoing discussions between New Delhi and Washington on trade and tariff issues. India and the US have maintained robust diplomatic and strategic ties in recent years, though trade negotiations have proven more challenging than initially envisioned.
Jaishankar's remarks suggest both countries remain committed to pursuing a trade agreement despite the obstacles, with officials from both sides continuing to engage on the matter.