India-US trade talks in final stretch; more changes at American end: Jaishankar
Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2026, the external affairs minister said the bulk of issues are sorted and India is seeking a pact that gives it a comparative edge over peer economies.
India and the United States are entering the final stages of negotiating their landmark trade agreement, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stating that most issues have been resolved. Jaishankar highlighted the recent changes primarily originating from the American side, and emphasized that India is optimistic about finalizing the deal soon.
He stressed that the agreement should not only be mutually beneficial but also provide India with a comparative advantage over comparable economies. Jaishankar elaborated on India's strategy to become a manufacturing hub through production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, aimed at boosting various sectors and upgrading infrastructure, talent, and capabilities in new-age technologies, including semiconductors, life sciences, and AI.
He acknowledged that India missed the manufacturing wave between the 1960s and 1990s and is now making concerted efforts to catch up by implementing incentives for industry growth, supporting small and medium enterprises, and enhancing logistics. Jaishankar also touched upon the emerging multipolar world order, hinting at a more assertive and influential India within this evolving global landscape.
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