New Delhi, Oct 13 (NationPress) Progress is being made in the negotiations between India and the United States to finalize the initial phase of the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). A group of Indian officials is expected to travel to Washington, DC this week for further discussions on this matter.

A government representative stated, "Discussions between the two nations are advancing positively."

India has proposed to boost its imports of oil and gas from the U.S., which will assist in balancing the trade surplus and allow the nation to diversify its energy sources, ensuring a stable supply amid geopolitical challenges.

Additionally, India is likely to procure more renewable energy technologies from the U.S. as part of the trade agreement, a significant move that will contribute to combating climate change.

This development follows the recent appointment of the new U.S. ambassador, Sergio Gor, who has assumed his role at the U.S. embassy in New Delhi.

Gor met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week to discuss bilateral matters, including defense, trade, and technology. The significance of critical minerals for both nations was also a topic of discussion during their meeting.

Gor expressed, "The U.S. treasures its partnership with India, and under the robust leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I am hopeful for the future of our nations. President Trump considers Prime Minister Modi a close and personal friend. Just prior to my departure for New Delhi, they had a remarkable phone conversation, and this rapport will continue in the coming weeks and months."

Previously, a U.S. delegation visited New Delhi for trade discussions in September, which was succeeded by a trip to Washington by an Indian delegation led by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

During those negotiations, India extended concessions to the U.S., including an offer to increase imports of American defense and energy products.

On September 16, a U.S. team led by Brendan Lynch, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, met with Indian trade officials headed by Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agrawal in New Delhi amidst a thaw in relations following President Trump’s conciliatory stance.

Lynch's visit occurred amidst rising expectations for a trade agreement following positive signals from both President Trump and Prime Minister Modi after a period of tension.

Trump noted in a Truth Social post on September 9 that discussions were ongoing and stated, "I am confident that we will achieve a successful conclusion for both of our great nations."