India-US trade pact first phase likely by mid-July

India and the US are on course to finalize the first phase of their bilateral trade deal by mid-July. The agreement aims to provide preferential access to India over its competitors. The talks, led by the Union commerce minister and the US trade negotiating team, have progressed well and an interim agreement is expected soon. A high-level US team is expected to visit India later this month to further discuss the trade deal.