India, U.S. to intensify efforts for a trade deal, says MEA

India and the United States have decided to “intensify efforts” for an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement, said an official of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday (September 19, 2025).

Speaking at the weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed several issues in India-U.S. relations, including the ending of the 2018 waiver for the Chabahar port of Iran and said India was studying the latest order from the U.S. that has said that persons working in the Chahbahar port may expose themselves to sanctions under the IFCA (Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act) after September 29.

“A team from United States Trade Representative led by Assistant USTR Brenden Lynch had meetings at the Ministry of Commerce on September 16, 2025 to take forward the ongoing negotiations for a trade deal with the U.S. The discussions were positive and forward-looking, covering various aspects of the trade deal. It was decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement,” said Mr. Jaiswal. The remarks from the Indian side came as uncertainties continue regarding India-U.S. trade ties after President Donald Trump imposed 25% penalty tariffs on India in the first week of August.

‘Special partnership’

Mr. Trump ever since has repeatedly referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his “friend” and held a telephone call with Mr. Modi on his birthday, but there has been no resolution on the tariffs that remain in place as the U.S. maintains that these penalties on India for buying Russian crude are necessary to bring Russia to the negotiating table over the war in Ukraine.

Mr. Jaiswal did not clarify on Friday (September 19, 2025) whether Mr. Modi would travel to New York for the annual session of the U.N. General Assembly where Mr. Trump is scheduled to speak, saying, “Let’s wait for our press release, where we will announce our participation in these events. As far as India–U.S. relationship is concerned, let me tell you that we remain committed to take this very special partnership — the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership that we have with the United States forward, and to newer heights.”

Mr. Jaiswal also addressed queries about the September 16 revocation of sanctions exception issued in 2018 under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA) that had given India the space to continue its vital connectivity corridor plans for Central Asia and beyond through the port of Chabahar in Iran. “We have seen the U.S. press statement regarding revocation of sanctions waiver for Chabahar port. We are presently examining its implications for India,” said Mr. Jaiswal in response to a question.