US, India Seek Fair Trade Deal Ahead of G20 Talks

The United States and India are working to establish a commercial relationship that is fair, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial. US Ambassador Sergio Gor made the statement on Wednesday, ahead of Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's expected visit to the United States later this month.

Gor spoke at the 66th annual session of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association in New Delhi. He was joined by Minister Goyal and British Deputy High Commissioner Harjinder Kang. The US-India relationship stands at a historic high point, Gor said. He argued that cooperation spans from information technology and pharmaceuticals to defence sales and military exercises.

Upcoming Ministerial Engagement

Minister Piyush Goyal will travel to the US at the end of the month to engage in talks as the country hosts the G20. According to people familiar with the matter, Goyal is expected to attend the G20 Trade Ministerial in Milwaukee beginning September 30. These individuals, who requested anonymity, said he is likely to meet his US counterpart on the sidelines of the two-day meeting. They added that the proposed interim bilateral commercial pact, which the two sides have been negotiating, may be discussed.

Principles of Market Access

Ambassador Gor emphasized that the principle of fair market access must apply in both directions. He stressed the need for an environment where US suppliers and technology can access the Indian market, while Indian companies can compete fairly in the United States.

Gor noted that the two countries have made real progress, including on a commercial understanding reached by their governments. However, he pointed out that the economic relationship extends far beyond simple commerce in goods. Our progress extends well beyond commerce in goods. Our two nations are partnering on virtually everything, Gor said. He also highlighted potential cooperation in space, citing NASA's invitation to the Indian Space Research Organisation to participate in its Moon Base programme.

Context of Broader Trade Negotiations

Speaking at the same event, Minister Piyush Goyal provided context by recalling the previous year's ACMA session. He noted that the 65th annual session was held on September 12, 2025, and was attended by European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. Goyal said Ambassador Gor's presence at this year's event was special because India-EU commercial negotiations had advanced significantly after last year's meeting. He expressed hope that the India-US bilateral commercial pact would also be concluded soon.

The India-EU negotiations for a free trade agreement were concluded on January 27, 2026, according to the Indian government. That agreement now awaits legal review and necessary regulatory approvals before being signed.

India and the United States have been negotiating a bilateral commercial pact since a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-US President Donald Trump in Washington on February 13, 2025. The ongoing discussions aim to solidify the economic partnership between the two nations, as described in the Hindustan Times report.