Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has described India-US relations as “very good” despite prolonged negotiations over a bilateral trade agreement and differences on tariffs, immigration and diplomatic issues.
Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi on Wednesday, October 14, Goyal said he did not see a problem in the relationship at present. He emphasised that cooperation between the two countries remained significant for both nations and the wider world.
“I don’t see any problem as we speak,” Goyal said when asked about the prospects for India-US relations under a different administration.
He described the partnership between the two large democracies as substantive and consequential, adding that it could improve irrespective of changes in political thinking in either country.
India-US Trade Deal Talks Remain Unresolved
India and the United States have held multiple rounds of negotiations to reach a bilateral trade agreement, but the talks have yet to produce a final deal, according to the report.
Tariff differences have added to the challenges, leaving businesses awaiting greater clarity on market access and trade conditions. Goyal did not announce a breakthrough in the negotiations but indicated that the broader relationship extended beyond the immediate trade discussions.
The two countries continue to engage on defence, technology supply chains, goods and services. Managing disagreements over trade while preserving cooperation across these sectors remains a key challenge for both sides.
Tariffs, Immigration and Diplomatic Differences
Relations have also faced friction over US President Donald Trump's claim that he helped mediate an end to armed clashes between India and Pakistan in 2025. The claim reportedly caused concern in New Delhi.
Immigration has emerged as another area of disagreement. Comments by US Vice President JD Vance encouraging American companies to hire more US workers added to tensions over the movement of skilled professionals.
The report also highlighted the suspension of some Indian IT services companies, alongside Microsoft and Adobe, from a longstanding US immigration initiative amid scrutiny of the H-1B visa system. The Indian government described Vance's remarks as “deeply offensive”, according to the report.
These differences have complicated bilateral engagement, although officials from both countries continue to interact across several policy areas.
India Signals Openness to China Engagement
Goyal also said India was seeking to revive its relationship with China, while acknowledging that the process remained ongoing.
He said India was open to engagement with countries where it could secure fair terms, continuity in relations and a geopolitical environment that did not deteriorate.
His remarks reflect India's stated willingness to pursue international economic relationships while considering trade conditions and strategic risks.
For official updates on India's trade policy, visit the Department of Commerce.
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