New Delhi, Aug 26 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is likely to travel to the United States towards the end of September to attend the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting, a visit that could assume significance as India and the US work to resolve outstanding issues in their ongoing bilateral trade negotiations.
During the proposed visit, Goyal is also expected to hold talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the sidelines of the G20 meeting, according to the NDTV Profit report.
The meeting could provide an important opportunity for both sides to assess progress and work towards bridging the remaining differences in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement.
India and the US have been engaged in negotiations aimed at expanding market access, reducing trade barriers and strengthening bilateral economic ties. With discussions entering a crucial phase, the ministerial-level engagement in September could help determine the next steps towards concluding the pact.
The negotiations have covered a range of issues, including tariffs, market access and barriers affecting trade in goods and services. Both countries have been seeking outcomes that address their respective commercial priorities while expanding opportunities for businesses on both sides.
For India, improved access to the large US market remains a key objective, particularly for sectors with substantial export potential. Washington, meanwhile, has been seeking greater access for American goods and services in the Indian market.
Goyal’s expected meeting with Greer could therefore play a key role in addressing the outstanding areas of divergence and assessing whether the two sides are in a position to move closer to a final agreement.
The G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting will additionally provide Goyal with a platform to engage with trade ministers from other major economies and discuss broader issues affecting global commerce.
The proposed September visit comes at a critical juncture for India-US trade relations, with both New Delhi and Washington seeking to make further progress towards finalising a bilateral trade agreement. The outcome of the discussions could offer greater clarity on the timeline and contours of the proposed pact.
–IANS
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