99% details of US trade deal finalised: Goyal

PTI

New Delhi

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Monday said India and the US have finalised most elements of the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement, and negotiations are now focused on a few minor issues, commas, and full stops.

Goyal said that a delegation from the US is in India to hold talks on finalising the initial phase of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The negotiations will take place in New Delhi from June 2 to June 4. 

On February 3, both sides announced the framework for the first phase of the agreement. "Mostly everything is finalised," Goyal told reporters. "As you know, US Ambassador George said that 99% of the things have been finalised. Discussions are going on about small issues, commas, and full stops. While finalising, how will the legal changes that have taken place in the US be reflected in the final agreement, and what kind of changes will be made accordingly. After finalising that, I am fully confident that, with the US, we will conclude the first tranche of the BTA as soon as possible, sign it, and start further discussions on how to have a more comprehensive BTA," he added. 

The US team will be led by Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch, while India's team will be headed by Chief Negotiator Darpan Jain.