US trade deal: "I am born optimistic; low-hanging fruits should be captured first," says Piyush Goyal

When asked whether something conclusive could be expected before July 9, Goyal said: “I am a born optimist”.

India is ready to move forward with a trade agreement with the United States by first addressing simpler, less contentious issues, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday, as negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade pact continue.

When asked whether something conclusive could be expected before July 9, Goyal said: “I am a born optimist”.

Goyal, who is currently in Bern, Switzerland, on an official visit to engage with Swiss government leaders and business representatives, reaffirmed India’s readiness to proceed step by step.

He emphasized that a trade deal need not be delayed until all outstanding issues are resolved.

When asked about the possibility of focusing on easier parts of the deal, he responded: “India is always ready for that and I believe that the things, which are not controversial, the low-hanging fruits, should be captured first as those sectors will start getting profits."

“It is not necessary to wait for everything and why waste time until it is perfect,” he added.

Drawing a parallel with India’s agreement with Australia, Goyal noted that both nations had initially implemented an interim deal, which later expanded into a more comprehensive pact.

Currently, a US delegation is in New Delhi for the next round of negotiations. According to officials, talks are progressing constructively.

Earlier this year, in February, US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced their intent to negotiate the first phase of a wide-ranging Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall 2025 (September–October). The deal aims to increase bilateral trade from USD 191 billion to USD 500 billion by 2030.

The visit by the US team comes at a critical juncture, as both sides are aiming to finalise an interim agreement before the end of June. India is particularly keen on securing a full exemption from the 26 percent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, which the US has currently suspended until July 9.

An interim tariff agreement is expected to be concluded ahead of that deadline.

India’s chief negotiator, Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, visited Washington last month, where he held discussions with his American counterpart on the proposed trade pact.