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US trade team's India visit postponed as Trump hikes tariffs, deal stuck on agri: Report
A planned visit by a US delegation to India later this month for the next round of talks on a proposed bilateral trade agreement is likely to be deferred, PTI reported on Saturday, citing an official who did not wish to be named.
The sixth round of negotiations between the two countries was scheduled to take place in New Delhi from August 25 to 29. So far, five rounds have been completed.
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'This visit is likely to be rescheduled,' the official told PTI.
The development comes days after US President Donald Trump announced fresh tariffs on India, including an additional 25 per cent duty linked to New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil, taking the total tariff burden to 50 per cent.
While negotiations are underway, Washington has been pushing for greater market access in politically sensitive areas such as dairy and agriculture. India, however, has made it clear that it will not accept terms that affect the livelihood of its farmers and cattle rearers.
Both countries have expressed intent to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by the fall, with an aim to double bilateral trade from the current USD 191 billion to USD 500 billion by 2030.
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