Discussions underway to resolve certain trade issues: Commerce Ministry on if India, US have commenced trade deal talks

Commenting on whether India and the United States (US) have commenced trade deal talks, the commerce ministry has said that both the countries are trying to resolve trade issues. 

In a written reply in the parliament, Minister of state in the commerce ministry C R Chaudhary said, "India and United States (US) are currently engaged bilaterally to resolve certain identified trade issues". 

Saying "no" to if New Delhi and Washington have reached any understand, Chaudhary said, "discussion is continuing with the intent of mutually satisfactory resolution".

US President Donald Trump had called India "Tariff King" in October 2018 and said India called and "want to start negotiating immediately" for a trade deal to keep him happy. 

Tariff on Harley Davidson has been a key issue US President has been raising and raised it during his phone calls with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During Diwali celebration at White House, President said, "We’re trying very hard to make better trade deals with India, but they’re very good traders.  So we’re working, and it’s moving along."

Indian Prime minister met US president Trump on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Argentina on 30th November 2018 for the Japan-India-US trilateral or JAI Meeting. PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of East Asia Summit in Singapore.

2018 saw US granting India STA1—Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 status and 2+2 India US dialogue. The US also granted India 6 month wavier, which is expected to be renewed, from Iran Sanctions. But in terms of trade US has been calling India for a "free, fair, and reciprocal trade."