USIBC President Praises India–US Trade Deal, Calls It a “Positive Message”
Washington, DC [US], February 4:
Atul Keshap, President of the US–India Business Council (USIBC) under the US Chamber of Commerce, has welcomed the recently announced India–US trade deal, under which Washington has agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent. He said the agreement sends a “very positive psychological message” to the investment and trading communities of both countries.
Speaking to ANI, Keshap said the deal reflects nearly a year of intensive negotiations and “serious efforts” by both sides. He praised the contributions of key officials, including Ambassador Sergio Gor, Ambassador Vinay Kumar Kwatra, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. He added that the details of the agreement are likely to be released through a joint statement or a Federal Register notice.
“This sends a very positive psychological message to the investment and trading communities in both our great democracies. As the President of a 50-year-old trade association dedicated to strengthening US–India business relations and investment, this is exactly what the business community wants,” Keshap said. “We are very, very pleased that Prime Minister Modi and President Trump have made this announcement. In the coming days, we may see a joint statement and possibly some Federal Register notices. We will study the details carefully to understand what is included and how it may impact business.”
He further commended the efforts of both governments, calling the negotiations a long process involving nearly a year of work and considerable seriousness. “I congratulate Ambassador Gor and Ambassador Kwatra for leading these efforts, and also commend Minister Piyush Goyal and Ambassador Greer,” he added.
