Finance Minister hopeful of India-US trade pact at the earliest

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday voiced optimism regarding the swift conclusion of the India-US trade agreement, citing benefits for global commerce and the economic relationship between the nations. "I believe the Indian Commerce Minister recently indicated an expectation and desire for the agreement's imminent signing. Negotiations remain underway. I trust that, for the advancement of global trade and the furtherance of trade between India and the US, the trade agreement will be finalized expeditiously," she stated. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday confirmed that the initial phase of the India-US trade accord has been completed and is presently in the legal drafting stage.