India and the United States have taken another important step toward finalising their proposed trade agreement. Both countries have agreed on the main structure of the deal and have now started the process of turning it into a formal legal document.

Broad Agreement Reached, Legal Work Begins

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that a joint statement describing the broad outlines of the agreement has already been signed. According to him, the next stage involves converting those agreed points into a detailed and legally binding agreement.

He explained, “There have been virtual engagements going on with the US, and next week the chief negotiator will be leading a delegation to the US to finalise the legal framework. That work will carry on next week in Washington,” he said.

Chief Negotiator to Visit Washington DC

India’s chief trade negotiator, Darpan Jain, will travel to Washington DC next week to continue discussions. The main objective of the visit is to complete the drafting of the legal text of the agreement.

Sources in the government said that both sides are aiming to finish the legal agreement by March 2026. However, officials clarified that while this timeline is the target, there is no strict deadline being enforced.

Tariff Changes Under Review

The Commerce Secretary also shared details about tariff revisions. He said that adjustments in tariff rates, from 25% to 18%, are currently being processed. These changes are expected to be completed soon and could even be finalised within this week.

Government officials repeated that India and the United States are in agreement on the overall framework of the trade deal. At present, both countries are concentrating on transforming those agreed principles into a formal and enforceable legal agreement.