# Indian negotiators are prioritizing preferential market access and tariff relief from US Section 301 investigations as high-level trade talks commence in Delhi.

*business · news · 2026-06-01 · Devdiscourse*

## Key points

- Indian negotiators are prioritizing preferential market access and Section 301 tariff relief in talks.
- The framework of the Interim Bilateral Trade Agreement between India and the US is nearly settled.
- Only minor technical issues remain, and 99% of agreement matters are already decided.
- Recent legal changes in the US must be reflected in the final bilateral trade agreement.
- India aims to lower tariffs on US goods, including dried distillers' grains and tree nuts.

Indian negotiators are prioritizing preferential market access and tariff relief from US Section 301 investigations as high-level trade talks commence in Delhi. This four-day meeting aims to finalize an Interim Bilateral Trade Agreement, with discussions led by US Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch and India's Additional Secretary Darpan Jain. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, at the operational launch of the India-Oman CEPA, stated the framework of the agreement is nearly settled. "Technical issues remain, but the framework is complete. The US team is part of this crucial three-day discussion," Goyal confirmed, referencing the agreement announced by the leaders of both nations on February 3. According to Goyal, only minor details need resolution. US Ambassador Sergio Gore corroborated this, noting that 99% of matters are decided. The focus now is on reflecting recent legal changes in the US within the agreement. The latest round builds on the April visit of an Indian delegation to Washington, emphasizing reciprocal trade as outlined in a February joint statement. As part of the agreement, India aims to reduce tariffs on US industrial goods and agricultural products, including dried distillers' grains and tree nuts. Sergio Gore expressed optimism at the US-India TRUST Initiative at IIT Delhi, highlighting the potential signing of the agreement in the coming weeks amid growing Indo-US economic cooperation. Bilateral trade in goods and services has surged from USD 20 billion to over USD 220 billion in twenty years, marking India as a key strategic partner for the US, Gore noted. The collaboration seeks to cement India's role as a strategic ally for Washington. (ANI) (With inputs from agencies.)

**Countries:** India, United States

[Read the full story on Devdiscourse](https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3928323-india-and-us-close-to-finalizing-interim-trade-agreement)

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