India is preparing to host U.S. chief negotiator Brendan Lynch for a significant one-day meeting with India’s chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal on September 16, 2025. This visit is considered a direct continuation of ongoing trade discussions between the two nations.
These talks come after a period of heightened diplomatic activity, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks earlier this month about the “special relationship” between the U.S. and India, a sentiment Prime Minister Narendra Modi “fully reciprocated.”
However, these cordial exchanges occurred amidst trade tensions. The U.S. recently imposed a substantial 50% tariff on imports from India, which effectively stalled negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement. The last scheduled round of talks in late August was postponed indefinitely following these two-part tariffs.
During a press briefing, Mr. Agrawal confirmed the visit, stating, “The chief negotiator of the U.S. is visiting India tonight and tomorrow we will be holding talks through the day.” He clarified that this upcoming meeting isn’t an “official ’round’ of negotiations,” but emphasized its importance as a crucial discussion aimed at “trying to see how we can reach an agreement between India and the U.S.”
Mr. Agrawal highlighted that dialogue has been maintained at various levels, from negotiator teams to ministerial discussions. Therefore, the September 16 meeting should be viewed as another step forward in these continuous efforts.
Adding to the context, U.S. Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor indicated during his Senate hearing last week that India’s Trade Minister had been invited to the U.S. “We have also noted that, as part of his Senate hearing, he mentioned that the Indian trade minister has been invited,” Mr. Agrawal remarked, confirming that this invitation would also be a topic of discussion during Lynch’s visit.