India-US trade deal talks continue as American team visits Delhi for technical discussions

Summary

A two-member US team visited New Delhi on 2–3 November 2026 to advance technical discussions on customs and trade facilitation under the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA). The visit comes amid uncertainty over the broader trade negotiations following the US midterm elections. Differences over tariffs and access to India’s agricultural and dairy markets continue to delay an interim agreement.

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US team holds technical discussions on customs and trade facilitation

A two-member US delegation visited New Delhi last week to discuss technical aspects of the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement, indicating that negotiations are continuing at the working level despite uncertainty over the pact’s broader timeline.

The team, comprising officials working on customs and trade facilitation, held discussions on 2–3 November, according to a source tracking the negotiations.

“On November 2-3, a two-member track team on customs and trade facilitation was in New Delhi to take forward the technical part of the negotiations,” a person tracking the matter told BusinessLine.

The visit took place amid political developments in the United States, where the Democratic Party secured control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the midterm elections, dealing a setback to President Donald Trump’s Republican Party.

US midterm election outcome adds uncertainty to trade negotiations

The election results have raised questions about the Trump administration’s ability to advance its trade agenda. However, the President retains executive powers, and technical-level discussions with India are expected to continue.

An official tracking the negotiations indicated that the technical engagement would proceed irrespective of the Republican Party’s electoral setback. However, there is no clarity yet on how the broader trade agreement negotiations will progress.

Tariffs and agricultural market access remain key sticking points

India and the US have been negotiating a bilateral trade agreement, but differences over tariff levels and access to India’s agricultural and dairy markets continue to delay an interim arrangement.

Although the two countries have made progress in several areas, disagreements over tariffs remain a major obstacle to concluding the proposed agreement.

The latest discussions on customs and trade facilitation suggest that both sides are continuing technical engagement even as the broader negotiations face uncertainty.

FAQs

Why did the US team visit New Delhi in November 2026?

A two-member US team visited New Delhi on 2–3 November to advance technical discussions on customs and trade facilitation under the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement.

What is the India-US bilateral trade agreement?

The proposed BTA is a trade pact being negotiated by India and the United States to address bilateral trade issues and improve market access between the two countries.

What are the main issues delaying the India-US trade deal?

Differences over tariff levels and access to India’s agricultural and dairy markets remain major obstacles to reaching an interim agreement.

Will India-US trade negotiations continue after the US midterm elections?

Technical discussions are expected to continue despite the election outcome, although the future course and timeline of the broader trade agreement remain uncertain.

When did the US delegation visit India?

The two-member US team visited New Delhi on 2 and 3 November 2026.