India’s trade delegation has extended its stay in Washington as both nations race to finalize a trade agreement before July 9 — the date when higher U.S. tariffs are scheduled to take effect, according to people familiar with the negotiations.
Originally scheduled to conclude on June 27, the in-person talks have been prolonged by at least a day, fueling speculation about a potential interim trade deal. The individuals, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, said the extension signals cautious optimism.
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed confidence, stating that a “very big” trade deal with India was likely soon, even as both sides maintain firm positions on key sticking points.
Among the most contentious issues is Washington’s push for India to open its market to genetically modified (GM) crops—an offer New Delhi has consistently declined, citing risks to the livelihood of its farmers.
On the other hand, India is pressing for a comprehensive deal that includes improved market access for its sectors and the removal of reciprocal tariffs that affect its exports. Earlier reporting by Bloomberg highlighted New Delhi’s reluctance to settle for a partial agreement that overlooks these priorities.
As of now, India’s commerce ministry has not responded to queries sent outside of business hours.
