India-US Trade Talks Progress Spur Quad Summit Prospects

India and the United States have revived momentum in trade discussions following months of stalled negotiations, with officials describing recent meetings in New York and Washington as positive and encouraging. Key figures like India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged with U.S. representatives, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, focusing on resolving issues such as tariffs, visa fees, and market access, aiming for an early conclusion of a bilateral trade agreement. The trade talks are critical as they also influence broader strategic relations, with discussions covering defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals. There is a possibility of a Quad summit and a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, potentially at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, contingent on progress in trade talks. Despite challenges, both sides express commitment to strengthening ties, with the U.S. emphasizing the importance of its relationship with India and showing willingness to address trade irritants. Additionally, U.S. lawmakers expressed support for a strong strategic partnership with India while highlighting concerns such as increased H-1B visa fees and tariffs, urging the Indian diaspora to advocate for stronger bilateral relations.