Indian Finance Minister: India, US Have Reached Plateau in Trade Talks

India and the United States have reached a plateau in their negotiations for a comprehensive trade package, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stating on Monday that the talks have hit a wall on a crucial deal. The remark underscores persistent gaps on key elements of the agreement and signals limited near-term breakthroughs. Officials from both sides have continued to discuss sectors such as market access, tariffs, services, and investment rules, but have not bridged the major divergences that have stalled progress for months. Sitharaman did not indicate a specific end date for talks, but emphasized that both countries remain engaged and that discussions would continue at senior levels. Analysts note that while both nations remain committed to advancing bilateral trade, the plateau suggests a recalibration of expectations and a possible pivot toward smaller, compatible understandings or sectoral deals, rather than a single comprehensive pact in the near term. The development follows a long series of negotiations as part of the broader U.S. push to secure more market access for American goods and services and to address trade imbalances. The statement adds to a broader picture of cautious optimism in India-U.S. trade ties, with both sides signaling willingness to keep channels open despite the stalemate.