The ambassador emphasised the close personal relationship between the leadership in Washington and New Delhi, noting that such ties are an asset in navigating trade and economic issues and in advancing broader bilateral cooperation. Both sides have expressed commitment to advancing the talks, with regular dialogue and upcoming meetings scheduled to keep momentum alive. The friction in the negotiations stems from a range of substantive economic and political concerns on both sides. Indian trade officials highlight that many issues have been discussed extensively and that most major concerns can be resolved with continued dialogue. In India, safeguarding farmers and labour-intensive industries remains a priority, while in the US, agricultural states and industry groups exert strong influence over trade policy.

Source: Indian Express January 12, 2026 11:54 UTC