India is set to engage in discussions with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai during her upcoming visit to address key trade issues. Scheduled from January 12-14, 2024, the talks may involve India seeking the Trade Agreements Act (TAA)-designated country status from the US and urging the restoration of Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits.
According to sources, India aims to deepen economic ties and foster mutual trust, emphasizing the withdrawal of seven disputes between the two nations. The unresolved issues at the World Trade Organization (WTO) were amicably settled in June and September 2023.
India’s potential TAA-designated status would facilitate its businesses in selling products to the US government, though such deals are typically negotiated reciprocally. Additionally, there are discussions to reinstate GSP benefits withdrawn by the Trump administration in June 2019.
On the US side, requests may include greater market access for American agriculture and non-farm goods, intellectual property rights protection, a transparent e-commerce policy, and support for digital trade.
The US-India Trade Policy Forum’s 14th ministerial-level meeting will be co-chaired by Tai and Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during her visit. The forum, established in 2010, plays a crucial role in enhancing bilateral economic and trade relations.
Ambassador Tai’s agenda includes discussions on agriculture, industrial products, services, and intellectual property protection. The USTR is also scheduled to meet with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
The statement from the USTR highlighted the significant progress made during the past year, including milestone agreements and tariff reductions benefiting both nations. The upcoming discussions aim to further strengthen and expand the trade relationship between the United States and India.
