Notwithstanding the 50% tariffs imposed by the US, India’s merchandise exports continued to rise in September, and the government remains hopeful of reaching a trade deal with the US at the earliest.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, who is India’s chief negotiator for the trade deal, is set to leave for the US on Wednesday night, and a team of officials is already in Washington, DC and is trying to reach a win-win solution. India is also open to purchasing more crude oil from the US, subject to it being at the "right price", he further said.

Engagement between India and the US continues, Agarwal told reporters on Wednesday, adding that there continues to be hope of a positive outcome.

Declining to call the current round of talks the sixth round of negotiations, Agarwal pointed out tha

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