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The Indian side and the US are holding a day-long series of bilateral talks, fueling expectations that stalled discussions on a mutual agreement may shortly continue.

A delegation led by a senior US commerce official is currently in Delhi to meet with representatives from India's trade ministry.

Indian authorities stated that the session does not signal the beginning of a fresh phase of negotiations, characterizing it instead as an exploratory exchange aimed at finding paths to achieve a bilateral agreement.

Trade discussions had previously halted after the US administration imposed significant duties on India's goods, partly in response to India's purchase of Russian oil and defense hardware. India has defended its stance, referencing domestic security requirements, and called the measures disproportionate.

These tariffs, along with pointed criticism from US officials, have led to a rapid decline in ties between the two longtime allies.

India is a major exporter of goods such as apparel, shrimp, and jewellery to the United States, and the tariffs have already impacted local production and livelihoods.

As a result, Tuesday's discussions are being attentively monitored by analysts and stakeholders alike.

According to a key Indian official, the meeting is designed to explore options for reaching a mutual agreement and is not formally part of the scheduled negotiation phases.

A previous session of talks was called off last month following the tariff imposition and India's refusal to halt purchasing Russia's oil.

However, in the past few days, hopes have risen as US representatives have taken a more conciliatory stance, and India has reiterated that discussions are ongoing.

One US trade adviser commented that India is coming to the negotiating table and expressed optimism about the results.

This same official had previously been vocal of India's position, but recent comments suggest a shift in approach.

Additionally, a online exchange between the American and Indian leaders last week reflected positive sentiment regarding ongoing negotiations.

The US president mentioned that the two countries were working to address trade issues, and the Indian prime minister reciprocated the optimism, referring to the two nations close friends.

A designated for the role of US ambassador to India also expressed optimism, saying that the bilateral agreement could be finalized within weeks.

He noted that the two parties were not far apart and were currently discussing the finer details of the deal.

Still, major disagreements remain, especially in areas such as agriculture and dairy.

The United States has for years pushed for increased access to India's farm market, seeing it as a major potential market.

India, however, has consistently defended its agricultural sector, highlighting reasons related to food security, rural incomes, and the interests of countless small agricultural workers.

Recently, a senior US commerce secretary criticized India's safeguard measures, wondering why a nation of 1.4 billion people would not purchase US agricultural goods.

Indian experts, however, have argued that India should not give in to outside pressure to open its farm sector, stressing the priority of national self-reliance and nutritional security.