India-U.S. interim trade deal needs only 'final touches'; Greer to visit New Delhi on June 23-24

The India-U.S. interim trade deal is down to its 'final touches', with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer set to arrive in New Delhi on June 23-24 for what could be the closing round of negotiations. The two sides have been working toward a limited bilateral trade agreement since early 2025, driven by the urgency of U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping reciprocal tariff regime that placed a 26 percent levy on Indian goods — a measure currently paused under a 90-day truce set to expire in July.

Greer's visit is the highest-level trade engagement between the two countries in this cycle and underlines how close both sides believe they are to a deal. India has been seeking relief on tariffs affecting its export-heavy sectors — textiles, gems and jewellery, shrimp and pharmaceutical ingredients — while Washington has pushed New Delhi to lower duties on American agricultural goods, high-end electronics and energy products.

The phrase 'final touches', used by Indian officials familiar with the discussions and reported by The Hindu, suggests that the broad framework is in place and that Greer's trip is aimed at clearing the last remaining sticking points rather than reopening fundamental terms. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has been leading the Indian negotiating team, with multiple rounds of talks held in both capitals over recent weeks.

The outcome of Greer's visit will be closely watched. A signed interim deal before the tariff truce expires would be a significant diplomatic win for both governments, locking in preferential terms for India while giving the U.S. a template for other bilateral negotiations. Failure to conclude could see the 26 percent tariff kick back in, rattling Indian exporters and financial markets.