India-US trade talks heading in right direction, Jaishankar says as both sides work to finalise a deal

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says India-US trade negotiations are moving in the right direction, with a deal being worked out. However, changing US tariff policies and unresolved trade issues continue to complicate the agreement’s finalisation.

India’s trade negotiations with the United States are moving in the right direction, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday, 13 October, signalling continued efforts to finalise an agreement despite differences over tariffs and market access.

India-US trade talks moving in right direction, Jaishankar says

Jaishankar’s remarks offer a positive indication from New Delhi as the two countries attempt to conclude a trade pact that has taken longer than initially anticipated. A deal is still being worked out, however, and his comments do not mean that a final agreement has been signed.

The minister’s assessment comes amid uncertainty over Washington’s changing tariff policies and their implications for Indian exporters. The negotiations have become an important part of the broader India-US relationship, with both sides seeking to strengthen commercial ties while protecting their domestic economic interests.

According to financial news service Newsquawk, Jaishankar said the talks were heading in the right direction and that a deal was being ironed out.

Why the trade agreement has taken longer

India and the US announced a framework for the first phase of their bilateral trade agreement in February 2026. Subsequent changes to American tariff policy, however, complicated the process and prompted further discussions.

In September, Jaishankar acknowledged that the negotiations had been more complex than expected, pointing to differences between the two economies and the need to protect sensitive domestic sectors.

India has a large base of small manufacturers, agricultural producers and businesses whose interests could be affected by changes in import duties and market access.

New Delhi has therefore sought to ensure that any agreement offers Indian exporters competitive terms without exposing vulnerable sectors to excessive pressure.

At an event hosted by the Asia Society in New York, Jaishankar said the two sides had reached a stage where there was “more or less an understanding on the trade agreement”. He also cautioned that the remaining issues required careful consideration.

US tariff uncertainty remains a sticking point

One of the key complications is the evolving American tariff framework, including the ongoing Section 301 process. The provision allows the United States to investigate foreign trade practices it considers unfair and potentially impose additional duties.

Jaishankar has questioned when India should conclude an agreement while aspects of the US tariff regime remain unsettled. The uncertainty matters because Indian exporters need clarity on the duties their products will face in the American market.

India is also seeking tariff terms that allow its businesses to compete effectively with exporters from other countries.

Reuters reported on 6 October that the negotiations had encountered fresh obstacles, with officials describing limited progress towards an imminent deal.

Deal could help stabilise bilateral ties

Trade has become a significant source of friction between New Delhi and Washington, alongside disagreements on other diplomatic and economic issues.

Jaishankar has previously said that concluding the agreement could help put bilateral relations on a better footing. For businesses, a settled framework could provide greater certainty on tariffs, market access and investment.

For now, his latest remarks suggest that negotiations remain active, but important questions are unresolved. The next step will be to translate the stated progress into an agreement acceptable to both governments.

Until the terms are formally concluded, Indian exporters and US businesses will have to contend with uncertainty over the future trading arrangements between the two countries.

About the Author

Trisha Bhattacharya is a Senior Content Producer at Livemint, with over two years of experience covering entertainment news from India and beyond. She spends her days tracking what’s trending, breaking down pop culture moments, and turning fast-moving entertainment stories into sharp, engaging reads that actually make people want to click — and stay. <br> She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Lucknow University, a background that shapes her love for layered narratives, strong voices, and stories that linger long after they’re told. Before joining Livemint, Trisha worked with India Today as an entertainment journalist and film critic. There, she reviewed films, covered industry news, and built a strong foundation in storytelling and cultural analysis. <br> Trisha enjoys working at the intersection of media, culture, and audience interest, always looking for fresh angles and formats. Films, shows, and music are not just her beat but her biggest passion — something that naturally reflects in her writing. Whether it’s cinema, streaming shows, music, or internet trends, she approaches every story with curiosity and intent. <br> Outside the job description, she’s unapologetically passionate about films, shows, and music — sometimes a little too passionate, if you ask her. That enthusiasm often spills into her work, adding personality, urgency, and a touch of chaos that keeps her writing alive. For Trisha, entertainment isn’t just a beat — it’s a language she speaks fluently.