Thu Jul 24 21:05:36 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

**Summary:**

India and the United States are actively negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the goal of strengthening trade relations through enhanced market access, reduced barriers, and supply chain integration. The Indian government addressed concerns in Parliament regarding potential U.S. tariff increases on Indian exports. While the U.S. did announce additional tariffs on various countries, including India, these have been temporarily paused and revised. Negotiations are ongoing, with both sides expressing commitment to a mutually beneficial agreement.

**News Article:**

**India and U.S. Forge Ahead with Trade Deal Amid Tariff Concerns**

**New Delhi, July 25, 2025** – Despite recent anxieties surrounding potential U.S. tariff hikes on Indian exports, India and the United States are actively engaged in negotiations to finalize a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The Indian government addressed these concerns in Parliament yesterday, assuring members that discussions are progressing toward a mutually beneficial outcome.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated in a written response to a query from Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi that the BTA aims to “strengthen and deepen bilateral trade relations, including through enhanced mutual market access, reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers, and closer integration of supply chains.”

The U.S. had previously announced additional tariffs on 185 countries, including India, with an initial 10% tariff imposed in April. This was to be followed by country-specific tariffs, with India’s rate initially set at 26%. However, these tariffs were subsequently put on hold, with a significantly reduced rate of 10% temporarily in place. The implementation date for the reciprocal tariffs has now been extended to August 1, 2025.

On the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington, D.C. earlier this month, the External Affairs Minister highlighted the ongoing BTA negotiations. Both countries have “acknowledged the importance of maintaining positive momentum” and expressed a commitment to finalizing the first phase of the multi-sector agreement. Trade teams from both nations remain actively engaged in the negotiating process. The successful completion of the BTA is expected to significantly boost trade and economic cooperation between the two nations.

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