Indian team to visit U.S. next week to finalise legal text for interim trade pact: Commerce Secretary
The Hindu
Indian officials will visit the U.S. next week to finalize the legal text for an interim trade agreement, says Commerce Secretary.
A team of Indian officials will visit the U.S. next week to finalise the legal text for an interim trade agreement, which is likely to be signed in March, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday (February 16, 2026).
The visit is likely to start on February 23.
Earlier this month, India and the U.S. released a joint statement to announce that a framework for an interim trade agreement has been finalised.
“The joint statement lays down the contours of the deal. Now, the contours of the deal have to be translated into a legal agreement, which will be signed between the two sides,” he told reporters in New Delhi.
Both sides are engaged in finalising that legal agreement, and virtual talks are going on for that.
“Next week, (India's) chief negotiator Darpan Jain will be leading a delegation to the U.S. to finalise the legal (pact) to work towards the legal agreement. That work will carry on next week in Washington and, if need be, thereafter in July and March,” Mr. Agrawal said.
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