India and the US have finalized a roadmap for a comprehensive Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), covering 19 key chapters. The goal is to expand trade from $200 billion to $500 billion by 2030. However, complex issues such as tariffs, rules of origin (ROO), agriculture, and IPRs demand tough compromises from both sides.

BulletsIn

• BTIA aims to boost trade to $500B by 2030
• Covers goods, services, IPRs, investment, dispute resolution
• US demands access for autos, dairy, petrochemicals, farm produce
• India seeks better access for apparel, pharma, electronics, solar, gems
• US may push tighter ROO to block Chinese inputs in Indian exports
• India must push flexible ROO or lose tariff benefits under BTIA
• India opposes US push for evergreening drug patents to protect generics
• Farm tariffs must be rationalised; corn imports may ease US concerns
• Lowering auto tariffs could unlock US market for Indian auto parts
• Stronger investment protection needed to reverse falling FDI inflows