Speaking while releasing India’s trade data for May 2026, Agrawal said the Government of India was closely monitoring developments following the US–Iran agreement and expressed hope that the deal would endure over time and contribute to sustained peace in the region.
“All I can say, as the Honorable Prime Minister has said, is that we hope it is a sustained deal which brings peace across the region. So, let us wait. Now that it has come, it should be a deal that can be sustained over time in peace,” Agrawal stated.
On the ongoing United States Section 301 investigations, the Commerce Secretary noted that India remains actively engaged with the United States through established channels, presenting its position while awaiting the outcome of the legal process.
“Section 301 are legal investigations following due process, and we are also engaged in our discussions. We have made our point, which was indicated throughout last month, and we are also engaged to see what the outcome is,” he said.
Agrawal further stated that the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States is expected to address broader trade concerns between the two countries. He added that the framework of the deal would likely provide clarity on issues linked to the Section 301 investigations once finalized.
“As far as the trade deal is concerned, I think the trade deal covers the entire gamut of the trade relationship between India and the United States. So definitely, whenever we finalize and sign the deal, it will provide clear answers on the Section 301 investigations,” he said.
Providing an update on negotiations for the India–United States Bilateral Trade Agreement, Agrawal confirmed that the United States Trade Representative is expected to visit India later this month for high-level discussions aimed at finalizing the framework of the agreement.
“The United States Trade Representative is coming on the evening of June 22. On June 23 and 24, he will be engaging with our Minister for Commerce and Industry. We expect that discussions will be centered around giving final touches to the framework deal and also on the larger Bilateral Trade Agreement that has been under discussion between the two sides,” he said.
The remarks came as India reported robust export growth for May 2026. According to Agrawal, merchandise exports rose 18 percent year-on-year to 45.2 billion United States dollars, compared with 38.3 billion United States dollars in May 2025.
“We are recording even stronger export growth momentum, registering 18 percent growth with 45.2 billion United States dollars in merchandise exports. This will be amongst one of the highest monthly exports in merchandise that we have achieved thus far,” he said.
The developments collectively highlight India’s strengthening export performance alongside active engagement in major international trade negotiations and close monitoring of geopolitical stability in the West Asian region.
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