Piyush Goyal To Visit Washington For Trade Talks

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI – Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will lead a delegation of Indian negotiators to the US from May 17-20 for trade discussions, as both nations aim to finalize the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement. During his visit, Goyal is expected to meet with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to explore the potential trade deal.

The four-day trip coincides with a 90-day suspension of additional US tariffs on Indian imports, which were announced on April 2. These tariffs, amounting to an extra 26% on select goods, are paused until July 9, giving both countries time to advance trade negotiations.

This visit occurs also amid China’s decision to join talks with the US, with both countries already agreeing to reduce reciprocal tariffs by 115 percentage points each. If a US-China trade agreement is finalized, it could challenge India’s position as a leading alternative manufacturing hub.

India is seeking US duty reductions on several labor-intensive sectors which affects employment, including textiles, leather, gems and jewelry, chemicals, shrimp and oilseeds. In exchange, the US wants greater market access for its exports, including for its EVs, wines, industrial goods, petrochemicals, fruits and dairy products.