Vikram Misri on US visit; trade deal likely by Jun 25

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri began his US visit with high-level talks on critical and emerging technologies even as both countries edge closer to finalising an interim trade pact by June 25.

Misri met US Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler to advance cooperation in semiconductors, quantum computing and clean energy, while also discussing the early convening of the India-US strategic trade dialogue to strengthen tech and trade collaboration.

In a parallel development, a US delegation is expected to visit India next month for trade talks, with sources indicating that an interim agreement is “on track” for June 25. This follows last week’s negotiations by India’s chief trade negotiator Rajesh Agrawal and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s meetings with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

The interim deal assumes urgency as the US’ 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, suspended till July 9, could impact bilateral trade. New Delhi is pushing for a full exemption from these tariffs.

The broader discussions during Misri’s visit span defence, energy security and the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), aimed at doubling trade to $500 billion by 2030. Both nations are also deepening collaboration in biotechnology, space exploration and energy trade, with the US poised to be a key supplier of crude oil and LNG to India. The talks come amid geopolitical unease over recent claims by former US President Donald Trump regarding India-Pakistan relations. (With PTI inputs)