India and US Reschedule Chief Negotiators’ Meeting on Interim Trade Agreement

Talks in Washington Deferred as Both Sides Review Latest Developments​

New Delhi, February 22: India and the United States have decided to reschedule the proposed meeting of their chief negotiators in Washington aimed at finalizing the text of the interim trade agreement, according to sources.

The Indian delegation was originally scheduled to begin a three-day round of discussions in the US capital from February 23. However, both sides have now agreed that the visit should take place after further internal assessments.

“Regarding the visit of the Indian team of negotiators to the US for the India US Trade Deal, both sides believe that the proposed visit of the Indian Chief Negotiator and their team should be scheduled after each side has had time to evaluate the latest developments and their implications. The meeting will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient date,” a source said.

Tariff Developments Influence Timing of Trade Talks​

The decision comes in the backdrop of significant trade policy developments in the United States.

The US Supreme Court recently ruled against earlier sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Following that ruling, former President Donald Trump on Friday imposed a 10 percent tariff on all countries, including India, effective February 24 for a period of 150 days.

A day later, on Saturday, he announced an increase in the duty to 15 percent.

These developments have added a new dimension to the ongoing India US trade negotiations, prompting both sides to reassess the situation before proceeding with formal discussions to finalize the interim agreement.

The meeting will now take place on a mutually convenient date after both governments complete their evaluations.