India-US Trade Deal to Reduce Barriers and Boost Market Access: MEA

India-US Trade Deal to Reduce Barriers and Boost Market Access: The ministry of external affairs on Friday stated that the India-U.S. trade deal is aimed at reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, availing market access, and integrating supply chains.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that in effect the discussions are on promoting the trade of goods and services between the two and ensuring a mutually beneficial agreement.

“During Prime Minister Modi's visit to the United States last month, both sides announced that they will engage and negotiate a multi-sector bilateral trade agreement,” he said.

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Jaiswal was replying to a question on the Trump administration's remarks on retaliatory tariffs against India.

As Jaiswal also mentioned, Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal's recent visit to the US is part of the ongoing efforts to take the agreement forward.

“The two governments are working to enhance trade across goods and services, improve market access, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepen supply chain integration,” he added.

Further, the MEA stated that India had expressed its serious concern to UK authorities over the security breach during the visit of external affairs minister S Jaishankar.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar had a tough moment in London, where Khalistani extremists attempted to target him as soon as he came out of a discussion at Chatham House.

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Pro-Khalistani demonstrators gathered outside the venue waving flags and chanting slogans against Jaishankar's visitation. They also tried to disturb his engagement, according to reports by ANI.

“We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations,” said Randhir Jaiswal.

In April 2023, India urged the UK to enhance surveillance of Khalistan supporters after the protestors removed the Indian flag from the building of its high commission.

Meanwhile, Jaiswal also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the National Day celebrations of Mauritius with a contingent of the Indian Defence Forces and an Indian Navy ship.

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