Most of India-US trade deal issues sorted, last stretch of concerns being discussed: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced on Saturday that most of the significant issues in the proposed India-US trade deal have been resolved, with the remaining concerns being discussed as talks progress towards a "soon" conclusion. During a speech at the HT Leadership Summit, Jaishankar highlighted the increasing importance of India's border with China, which now requires sustained deployment of Indian troops due to improved border infrastructure.

Regarding US mid-term elections, Jaishankar noted a bipartisan political consensus in the US on defense, security, and technology relations with India. He also pointed out that the US-China competition is a significant factor in global volatility, but emphasized that numerous other elements contribute to the changing global landscape.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at upcoming summits, Jaishankar expressed optimism about the trade deal, stating that India's biggest market benefits from such an agreement and that the US President is seeking bilateral deals to enhance markets for himself.

Jaishankar acknowledged that reaching the trade deal would require a meticulous approach, with each tariff line requiring careful consideration. He also praised the recent improvements in border infrastructure, attributing the progress to increased funding and policy focus in the past decade.