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Bilateral groups welcome U.S.-India interim trade agreement framework
The Interim Agreement framework aims to expand market access and advance bilateral trade talks.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 07, Feb 2026
- 13:28 EST
- 21
USISPF and USIBC logo / USISPF and USIBC
U.S.-based Indian bilateral advocacy groups have welcomed the framework announced by the United States and India for an interim agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, calling it a key step toward advancing a broader bilateral trade pact.
In a statement, the U.S.–India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) said the framework reaffirmed the shared commitment of President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to advance negotiations toward a comprehensive U.S.–India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
Also Read: Interim agreement on framework will lead to broader U.S.-India trade deal negotiations
USISPF's statement on the framework for an Interim Agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade (Interim Agreement):
— US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (@USISPForum) February 7, 2026
"The U.S. India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) welcomes the Executive Order signed today by President @realDonaldTrump, eliminating the…
“The Interim Agreement represents an important milestone, signaling clear political intent on both sides to deliver balanced, concrete outcomes that deepen the bilateral economic partnership,” the organization said.
USISPF said the framework outlines steps to expand market access, reduce tariffs, and address long-standing non-tariff barriers while strengthening cooperation across sectors including industrial goods, agriculture, energy, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, technology, and digital trade.
It said commitments related to regulatory transparency, standards alignment, conformity assessment procedures, and supply-chain resilience would provide clarity for businesses operating across both markets.
USISPF also welcomed the executive order signed by President Trump removing the additional 25 percent duty on Indian-origin imports, effective Feb. 7.
The U.S-India Business Council (USIBC) congratulates the U.S. and the Indian governments for putting in place a framework for an Interim Agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade (Interim Agreement).
— U.S.-India Business Council (@USIBC) February 7, 2026
The framework, as a joint statement said, reaffirms the… pic.twitter.com/rcWJ1eX2I6
Separately, the U.S.–India Business Council (USIBC) congratulated the U.S. and Indian governments for putting in place the framework for the Interim Agreement, saying it reaffirmed the countries’ commitment to advancing negotiations toward the Bilateral Trade Agreement.
“The Interim Agreement between the United States and India will represent a historic milestone in our countries’ partnership, demonstrating a common commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes,” USIBC said, citing the joint statement issued by the two governments.
According to the U.S.–India joint statement, the interim agreement framework includes commitments to reduce or eliminate tariffs and address non-tariff barriers affecting bilateral trade, establish rules of origin to ensure benefits accrue primarily to both countries, strengthen supply-chain resilience, and expand cooperation in areas such as digital trade, investment reviews, and critical technologies.
The two sides said they would promptly implement the framework while working toward finalizing a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
The U.S.–India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations were launched in Feb. 2025 following discussions between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the aim of expanding market access, reducing tariffs, addressing non-tariff barriers, and strengthening supply chain cooperation between the two countries.
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