India denies US trade talks stalled, says progress

Senior Indian officials have forcefully denied reports that trade negotiations with the United States have stalled, asserting that talks are progressing positively and a final agreement is ready for signing at an appropriate time. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking on Monday, July 13, 2026, dismissed a recent news report as "completely false, baseless and misleading."

The report had claimed India rejected a quick, interim trade agreement during a visit by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to New Delhi in June, opting instead to hold out for more favorable terms. It suggested Indian negotiators were seeking assurances on preferential tariff treatment over competitors and protection from future U.S. tariff hikes, and were unwilling to compromise on sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy.

Goyal refuted this characterization, stating his meetings with Greer were "fantastic" and that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a balanced and commercially meaningful deal. He emphasized that negotiation teams remain fully engaged. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal echoed this stance, stating no major challenges are affecting the bilateral discussions and...