India, US Accelerate Talks on Mutually Beneficial Trade Pact
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump instructed their teams to strive for a fair, advantageous, and commercially significant trade agreement as soon as possible.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated this on Thursday, following the first extensive discussions between the two leaders in 16 months at the G7 Summit, aimed at revitalizing the troubled bilateral relations.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will visit India next week to advance discussions on the suggested trade agreement.
During the meeting, Modi and Trump reiterated their dedication to enhancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and promoting collaboration in all areas for the mutual advantage of both nations and their citizens, according to the MEA.
"The leaders expressed particular satisfaction regarding the substantial advancements achieved in negotiations for an interim bilateral trade agreement and directed their officials to strive for a balanced, mutually advantageous, and commercially significant agreement as soon as possible," reports indicated.
The two parties have already conducted a number of discussions regarding the suggested trade agreement.
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In his comments, Modi mentioned the previous occasion he met Trump in Washington DC in February of last year, stating it infused fresh energy into their relationship.
The prime minister praised Trump for his attempts to achieve peace in West Asia.
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The MEA stated that Prime Minister Modi praised President Trump for his initiatives that led to an agreement to resolve the existing conflict in West Asia and reestablish peace and stability in the wider area.
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It stated that he emphasized the significance of upholding freedom of navigation and unobstructed trade in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the necessity of safeguarding the safety of mariners.
The Modi-Trump meeting occurred against a backdrop of rising anger in India regarding the deaths of three Indian crew members from a merchant vessel during American military attacks in the Gulf of Oman.