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Business
USIBC President Urges US, India to Accelerate Historic Trade Deal and Cut Tariffs
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 26 Sep 2026, 07:16 AM
👁 11
US-India Business Council chief Atul called for intensified efforts by both nations to finalize a landmark trade agreement and reduce tariff barriers.
Washington and New Delhi have been negotiating a comprehensive trade pact that could reshape bilateral commerce, according to US-India Business Council (USIBC) President Atul. In a recent interview, Atul emphasized that the two economies must step up negotiations to seal what he described as a "historic" deal, noting that lower tariffs would benefit exporters and consumers in both countries.
He highlighted that the agreement, still under discussion, aims to address sectors ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to services and digital trade. By reducing tariff walls, the pact could enhance market access for Indian goods in the United States and open new opportunities for U.S. firms in India's growing consumer market.
Atul cautioned that delays risk losing momentum built over the past years and urged policymakers to prioritize the talks amid global supply‑chain disruptions. He reiterated USIBC's commitment to facilitating dialogue and providing industry insights to ensure the deal delivers tangible economic gains.
While no specific timeline was given, the council expects that a concerted push from both governments could bring the agreement closer to conclusion within the next fiscal year, paving the way for deeper economic integration.
He highlighted that the agreement, still under discussion, aims to address sectors ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to services and digital trade. By reducing tariff walls, the pact could enhance market access for Indian goods in the United States and open new opportunities for U.S. firms in India's growing consumer market.
Atul cautioned that delays risk losing momentum built over the past years and urged policymakers to prioritize the talks amid global supply‑chain disruptions. He reiterated USIBC's commitment to facilitating dialogue and providing industry insights to ensure the deal delivers tangible economic gains.
While no specific timeline was given, the council expects that a concerted push from both governments could bring the agreement closer to conclusion within the next fiscal year, paving the way for deeper economic integration.