New Delhi, Feb. 3 -- Former Indian diplomats on Tuesday welcomed the India-US trade agreement, calling it a positive and evolving step that would boost bilateral trade, business confidence and people-to-people benefits between the two countries.

Former Indian diplomat Vidya Bhushan Soni said the agreement reflects mutual acceptance of each other's positions and marks the end of prolonged uncertainty surrounding trade negotiations.

"The Prime Minister and the US President have agreed and accepted the position put forward by either side. It is a matter of great happiness and satisfaction not just for governments but also for the people of both countries," Soni said.

He added that the impact of the deal would go beyond the business commun...