According to sources, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met in New York to discuss the first phase of a trade deal between the two countries.
The discussion, according to sources who spoke to IANS, was centered on resolving important issues, and both parties are still optimistic about coming to an interim agreement shortly.
Official statements regarding the most recent meeting have not yet been released by the US or India.
The discussions take place just days after Brendan Lynch, the US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, met with Rajesh Agrawal, the main trade negotiator for India, in Delhi.
According to the meeting’s Indian readout, “it was decided to intensify efforts in this regard after positive discussions were held on various aspects of the trade deal.”
However, the Trump administration’s decision to drastically reduce the H-1B visa program has cast a cloud over the negotiations.
A decree imposing a $100,000 charge for each new application was signed by US President Donald Trump on Friday.
Over the weekend, the declaration produced a great deal of confusion because it appeared to affect current H-1B visa holders, who would encounter difficulties when trying to return to the United States.
This is a “one-time fee” that only applies to new visas, not renewals or existing visa holders, the White House clarified to IANS on Saturday.
“Only the petition is subject to this one-time charge. It does not apply to existing visa holders or renewals; it only applies to new visas. According to a White House official who spoke to IANS, it will first be applicable during the next lottery round.
The policy is “likely to have humanitarian consequences,” according to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs.
After US President Donald Trump contacted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 16 to wish him a happy 75th birthday, trade negotiations between the two nations have restarted.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi referred to Trump as his “friend” and thanked him for the well wishes.
“I appreciate your phone call and kind words on my 75th birthday, President Trump, my buddy. I share your unwavering commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership. We back your efforts to end the issue in Ukraine peacefully,” PM Modi wrote.
Additionally, President Trump praised him for his cooperation in trying to put an end to the situation in Ukraine and described the phone chat as “wonderful” in a post on Truth Social.
I just had a great phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is a friend of mine. I sent him my warmest birthday wishes! He is performing admirably. Narendra: I appreciate your help in bringing an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. DJT, President,” he remarked.
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