The Indian government has confirmed that discussions with the United States on a new trade agreement are progressing steadily, reflecting a renewed push on bilateral commercial ties. According to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, both sides are actively engaged and Indian and US teams recently met for technical talks to lay groundwork for a “fair and balanced” trade pact. This announcement comes amid rising protectionist pressures globally, making a potential deal with the US significant for India’s export-oriented sectors.While no timeline has been set publicly, officials say momentum is growing and key sticking points—such as agricultural access, tariffs and digital services—are being critically evaluated.India sees opportunity to leverage the US market for goods such as textiles, pharmaceuticals and electronics, while the US expects better access in digital economy and data flows.Markets reacted positively to the announcement but noted that detailed terms will determine the ultimate outcome. Some exporters hope for tariff cuts; others caution that safeguards may remain strict.Trade analysts say the deal could help India diversify its trade portfolio and reduce dependence on a few major markets, while also providing the US with a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific commerce space.In the coming weeks, attention will focus on whether a joint statement emerges and how Indian states and industry react to the evolving roadmap of negotiations.