India and the United States have pledged to strengthen their trade relationship, setting aside recent diplomatic friction. During a three-day visit to New Delhi, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai met with her Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal, solidifying plans for collaboration in key areas like critical minerals.

This renewed focus on economic ties comes despite lingering tensions triggered by allegations that an Indian official was linked to a foiled assassination plot against a Sikh separatist leader on US soil. India vehemently denied involvement and launched its investigation.

Looking beyond these tensions, both sides identified critical minerals as a prime area for joint efforts. They agreed to share information and establish a common understanding to facilitate a robust partnership in securing these essential resources.

India also pushed for streamlined visa processes for its business professionals in the US. It urged the reinstatement of duty-free access for certain goods under the Generalized System of Preferences program.

The US revoked this program in 2019 once granted India preferential trade terms. Meanwhile, the US sought assurances from India regarding its laptop import policies to prevent unfair trade barriers.