March 7, 2025: India and the United States are working towards a multi-sector trade agreement aimed at reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, enhancing market access, and strengthening supply chain integration, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that discussions between the two countries are focused on facilitating smoother trade in goods and services while ensuring a mutually beneficial partnership. He recalled that during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States last month, both sides had announced their commitment to engaging in negotiations to finalize a comprehensive trade deal.

Jaiswal also addressed concerns over retaliatory tariffs, emphasizing that Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent visit to the US was part of the broader effort to push forward the agreement. The two governments, he said, are actively working to ease trade restrictions and deepen economic ties.

In a separate development, the MEA raised concerns with UK authorities over a security breach during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to London. The incident occurred outside Chatham House, where pro-Khalistan demonstrators gathered, waving flags and chanting slogans against Jaishankar’s visit. Jaiswal condemned the actions of the protesters, calling it a misuse of democratic freedoms, and urged the UK government to uphold its diplomatic responsibilities. India had previously pressed the UK to increase security measures after a similar protest in April 2023, during which demonstrators removed the Indian flag from a diplomatic mission building.

Meanwhile, Jaiswal also announced that Prime Minister Modi will participate in the upcoming National Day celebrations in Mauritius. Accompanied by a contingent of the Indian Defence Forces and an Indian Navy ship, Modi’s presence underscores India’s commitment to fostering deeper ties with the island nation.