Piyush Goyal To Visit US Tomorrow For Trade Talks Amid Tariff Tension

Union Minister Piyush Goyal.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is set to lead an official delegation to the United States for critical trade discussions on September 22, according to an official statement released Saturday.

The delegation aims to advance negotiations with their US counterparts toward the expeditious conclusion of a mutually advantageous trade agreement.

Minister Goyal's itinerary includes New York, and he will be accompanied by special secretary Rajesh Agrawal from the ministry along with additional officials.

Earlier this month, on September 16, representatives from the United States Trade Representative's office visited India, where productive discussions occurred on various aspects of the potential trade deal. Both parties subsequently agreed to intensify their collaborative efforts.

"Following these discussions, a delegation headed by the Commerce and Industries Minister is traveling to the United States for meetings with American officials on September 22, 2025," the statement indicated.

The visit carries heightened importance amid the US administration's unexpected decision to increase H-1B visa application fees to USD 100,000. Industry association Nasscom noted Saturday that this American policy shift will negatively impact India's technology services sector, as it could disrupt business continuity for onshore projects requiring operational "adjustments."

Additionally, the visit follows recently concluded daylong talks in India between US Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch and his Indian counterpart Rajesh Agrawal regarding the proposed bilateral trade agreement.

On September 16, the commerce ministry reported that the extended discussions with the visiting US delegation regarding a bilateral trade deal were positive, with both nations agreeing to expedite the mutually beneficial conclusion of the agreement.

"Both sides decided to intensify efforts toward early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement," the ministry stated following a seven-hour meeting with US officials.

These discussions hold particular significance as the US has implemented a substantial 50 percent tariff on Indian goods.

This visit by senior US trade officials marked the first such engagement since the imposition of a 25 percent tariff plus an additional 25 percent penalty on Indian exports entering the American market, which was implemented in response to India's purchases of Russian crude oil.

In February, leaders from both countries instructed officials to negotiate a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

The initial phase of the agreement was scheduled for completion by fall (October-November) 2025. To date, five rounds of negotiations have been conducted. The agreement aims to more than double bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030, up from the current USD 191 billion.

Minister Goyal previously visited Washington in May for trade discussions, where he engaged in deliberations with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

The United States has maintained its position as India's largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year in 2024-25, with bilateral trade valued at USD 131.84 billion (including USD 86.5 billion in exports).

The US accounts for approximately 18 percent of India's total goods exports, 6.22 percent of imports, and 10.73 percent of the country's overall merchandise trade.

On Thursday, Minister Goyal expressed optimism, stating that trade negotiations between India and the US are progressing and moving in the right direction.