In a significant move to foster ongoing trade discussions, India is set to host U.S. chief negotiator Brendan Lynch for a crucial one-day meeting. India’s chief negotiator, Rajesh Agrawal, confirmed on Monday, September 15, 2025, that these talks would serve as a direct “continuation” of previous engagements between the two nations.
This meeting comes on the heels of recent diplomatic exchanges, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about the “special relationship” shared with India, a sentiment Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly “fully reciprocates.”
Despite these amicable gestures, the backdrop to these discussions is a challenging one: the U.S. recently imposed a cumulative 50% tariff on imports from India. These tariffs previously led to the indefinite postponement of official bilateral trade agreement negotiations, which were originally scheduled for late August.
Addressing the press, Mr. Agrawal stated, “The chief negotiator of the U.S. is visiting India tonight, September 15, and tomorrow we will be holding talks through the day.” He emphasized that while this isn’t an official “round” of formal negotiations, it is undeniably a vital discussion aimed at finding a path toward a comprehensive trade agreement between India and the U.S.
Agrawal further highlighted that both countries have maintained active engagement at various levels, from negotiating teams to ministerial discussions. Therefore, the upcoming meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, is viewed as a natural progression and “continuation” of these important dialogues.
Adding to the momentum, U.S. Ambassador-designate to India, Sergio Gor, disclosed during his Senate hearing last week that India’s Trade Minister has received an invitation to visit 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 confirmed, adding, “Tomorrow we will have discussions on it.”