India-US Free Trade Deal: 'Only the Beginning,' Says US State Department, Flags Long Road Ahead

• The US State Department, through Hindustani Spokesperson Margaret MacLeod, stated that the India-US Free Trade Agreement is merely a first step in a long journey.
• MacLeod noted that President Trump reduced tariffs on Indian imports after India agreed to cease Russian oil imports, preceding the recent FTA.
• President Trump and PM Modi signed the FTA, followed by a meeting between Secretary Rubio and EAM S Jaishankar discussing Quad, trade, and critical minerals.
• The US is engaging 55 nations, including India, to establish a smooth, resilient, and trusted supply chain for critical minerals, inviting investments in mining, refining, and processing.
• EAM S Jaishankar attended the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, DC, where India supported the new FORGE initiative, succeeding the US-led Mineral Security Partnership.