Amidst signs of easing tensions, the United States and India are set to resume discussions regarding a bilateral trade agreement, with the US chief negotiator, Brendan Lynch, arriving in India on Monday, September 15, 2025, for talks today. This meeting signifies a potential turning point after a month-and-a-half-long pause in negotiations.

Lynch, who serves as the Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, is scheduled to meet with his Indian counterpart, Rajesh Agrawal, the Commerce Department Special Secretary, on Tuesday. Agrawal confirmed Lynch's one-day visit, stating that both sides intend to "fast-track" the talks.

This engagement follows a recent exchange between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting their friendship and potentially paving the way for smoother trade relations. Trump's administration had earlier imposed tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil, a move that strained bilateral ties. India has maintained its sovereign right to buy oil from whichever source it deems fit for its national interest. Trump has shifted his focus, describing the Russia-Ukraine war and related oil sanctions as "more of a Europe problem".

The meeting is not considered a formal round of negotiations but rather a crucial discussion to determine the future direction of the talks and explore possibilities for reaching an agreement. It will be the first official in-person engagement between Agrawal and Lynch since the talks held in Washington in July. A previous round of negotiations, scheduled for August 25-29 in New Delhi, was postponed due to rising tensions.

Despite the hiatus in in-person talks, both sides have remained engaged through virtual channels. India's chief negotiator, Rajesh Agrawal, said that the meeting is a "continuation of talks". U.S. Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor mentioned that President Trump had invited India's Trade Minister to the U.S.

Previously, the US had expressed concerns about the slow pace of negotiations and demanded greater access to India's agricultural and dairy sectors. Prime Minister Modi has emphasized his commitment to protecting the interests of Indian farmers. The initial goal was to have an agreement in place by September 2025, but the focus has now shifted to completing the first phase of the agreement by October or November.

In a related development, the US and China also resumed trade talks in Madrid, Spain, on Monday.