ISAS Briefs

American President Donald Trump’s repeated mention about the United States (US) and India looking at a bilateral trade deal has generated attention about its prospects. The US’ intention of correcting imbalances with major trade partners through bilateral talks highlights such possibilities with respect to India. Given the lack of convergence between the two sides on trade issues and their different approach to free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, any bilateral agreement talks would encounter challenges. They could further complicate the US’ intention of using its bilateral FTAs to isolate China.