Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India is open to discussions on a free trade pact with the US on the lines of the agreement New Delhi already has with the 10-nation South East Asian bloc.
"I don't mind exploring the possibility for a free trade agreement with the US," Singh, who is on a four-day state- visit to the US, said during an interaction with the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank.
The Prime Minister, however, said India's "first preference" was a fair and equitable multilateral trading agreement, and expressed "hope" that the Doha Round can succeed.
Calling for "reduced role for trade distortions represented by tariffs and non-tariff barriers," the Prime Minister stated, "I sincerely hope that the Doha Round can succeed".
The Doha Round of talks on a global trade deal have been stalled for last eight years now on differences over farm subsidies, lowering of tariff on industrial goods and protection to farmers in developing countries.
India in August signed a free trade agreement in goods with Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) aimed at eliminating duties on 4,000 items by 2016.
Singh also said a trade agreement like the one with the European Union, was not conducive for south Asia due to "tight regional arrangements".
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app