An Indian trade delegation, led by chief negotiator Darpan Jain, is set to visit the United States from April 20-22 to advance discussions on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA). This meeting is significant as it is the first in-person engagement since October. Officials indicate that India is committed to the agreement but will need to recalibrate it due to recent tariff adjustments. Notably, on February 7, the US lifted a 25% penal tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil and reduced reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 18%. Following a recent phone call between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, the Indian team is approaching the negotiations with an open mind, keen to address the contours and commitments from the US side. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal emphasized the necessity for further discussions to finalize the legal framework of the agreement. Additionally, India has rejected US claims regarding excess structural capacity in sectors like petrochemicals and textiles, asserting that the trade surplus is a result of broader macroeconomic factors.