New Delhi, May 21 -- India may escape the United States' additional reciprocal tariff that was set to kick in on July 9 as both countries are currently discussing the fine print - having already resolved almost all tariff-related issues - so that they can announce a first tranche of a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by June-end, people aware of the matter said. After several rounds of discussions, India and the US have arrived at near consensus on granting duty-free access to over 90% products from the respective countries for mutual gain, provided Washington accords preferential treatment to Indian merchandise by removing all non-tariff barriers, these people said, requesting anonymity due to the confidential nature of the ongoing talks. HT on April 26 reported that Indian and US negotiators are examining if tariffs can be removed on a majority of goods traded between the two nations in the first tranche. "As talks are progressing fast in a constructive manner, a positive outcome is expected very soon. This may result into revocation of or deferment of the July 9 reciprocal tariff deadline," one of the people said, referring to Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal's Washington visit. P13...