Chicago – October 01, 2024
India and the United States are likely to sign an initial pact for cooperation on critical minerals this week, two Indian government sources said, as the two countries try to bolster trade ties despite diplomatic hiccups.
They are expected to sign an agreement to partner and cooperate in the area of critical minerals during Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Washington, the sources said.
Goyal is scheduled to be in the U.S. this week to discuss ways to deepen overall bilateral trade ties, according to one of the sources, weeks before the White House’s preparation for a leadership change following the presidential election later this year.
Goyal is expected to meet U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai this week, according to a statement from the Indian government.
A spokesperson for Tai’s office could not immediately be reached for comment. She is due to meet with Goyal on Thursday in Washington, according to a USTR public schedule.
Earlier this month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden met in Delaware one-on-one as well as part of the Quad grouping which also includes the leaders of Australia and Japan.