‘Only matter of time’: India hopes to seal first tranche of US trade deal by year-end; urges both sides to find ‘right landing zone’

India aims to finalize the initial phase of its Bilateral Trade Agreement with the US by year-end, with commerce secretary Rajesh Agarwal expressing optimism despite global trade shifts. Negotiations have advanced significantly, though last-minute hurdles remain a possibility. Discussions are also progressing on an immediate Framework Trade Deal to address US tariffs on Indian goods.