India and US Trade Negotiations Moving Towards Closure

India and the United States are progressing towards finalizing their bilateral trade negotiations, with no major obstacles remaining, according to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. This announcement comes shortly after India and the EU successfully concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA).

In an interview, Goyal highlighted a shift in India's trade strategy from past protectionist approaches to confident engagement in trade negotiations, emphasizing the necessity of engaging with the developed world for India's development.

India's Evolving Trade Strategy

Goyal described a shift in New Delhi's trade strategy, moving away from protectionist hesitations towards confident negotiations for a future $30 trillion economy. He asserted that for a developed India, engagement with the developed world is not optional.

Bilateral Trade Target

India aims to double its trade in goods and services with the U.S. to $500 billion by 2030. This target aligns with India's broader ambition of reaching $2 trillion in global trade.

Previous Discussions and Meetings

Piyush Goyal met with the U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, and American Senator Steve Daines on January 19, 2026, to discuss bilateral issues. These discussions are particularly significant as India and the U.S. are actively involved in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement.

India-EU FTA

India and the European Union (EU) have concluded negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Union Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a landmark deal that places India at the high table of international geopolitics.

Looking Ahead

India is also focused on closing FTA deals with the United States, Canada, and Chile. According to Goyal, India makes its decisions based on its own assessment of the advantages and disadvantages and that India will open up new markets while protecting its own interests.