Galwan stand-off: India takes another shot at free trade deal with US

Officials believe move can lead to an effective trading bloc against China's RCEP; business end of negotiations only by next year

As India distances itself from China following the clash in Ladakh between soldiers of the two countries, the Centre is keen to have another go at negotiating the India-US free trade agreement, Business Standard has learnt.

This, officials say, can lead to an effective trading bloc against the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

The same officials, in the finance and commerce ministries, say the government is being realistic, and because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the upcoming US presidential election in November, the business end of the negotiations will happen only next year, though work is likely to begin now.

“The current situation