ugc_banner

India, US begin trade talks; New Delhi says keep bigger picture in mind

WION Web Team
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaWritten By: Sidhant SibalUpdated: Jul 11, 2019, 07:50 PM IST
main img
External affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. Photograph:(ANI)

Story highlights

The meet happens days after US President Donald Trump met PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 summit in Osaka, Japan with both sides agreeing to start trade talks.

Two-day India-US talks are underway in Delhi with a team of United States Trade Representative (USTR) meeting with Indian officials. 

The team from USTR include Assistance USTR Christopher Wilson, Deputy Assistance USTR Brendan Lynch are in India for the talks.

Both sides will hold comprehensive dialogue on July 12, 2019, in the Commerce and Industry ministry with additional secretary Sanjay Chaddha.

The visiting USTR  delegation will also call on Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in his weekly presser said "You are aware that the team is already here. It is represented by Wilson. We have a matching delegation from our side. When we engage in these issues, we have to keep in mind the bigger picture."

The meet happens days after US President Donald Trump met PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 summit in Osaka, Japan with both sides agreeing to start trade talks.

Asked if New Delhi's position on Huawei being allowed to participate in 5G operations in India will be raised, Raveesh said, "Entire things will be on the trade...Whatever we decide, will take into account our economic interests."

Friday will be the last day talks which can help Delhi Washington resolve trade issues.

Earlier this week US President Donald Trump has again lashed out at India on trade issues in a tweet saying "India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!"

In the past, he has called India a Tariff King and called New Delhi to reduce tariffs on several US products including Harley Davidson motorbikes.