New Delhi, March 17 -- India is focusing its US engagement on a trade deal rather than Washington's contentious plans to impose reciprocal tariffs.

According to three senior government officials, India is not engaging with the US on reciprocal tariffs; instead, discussions remain centered on shaping a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The officials spoke after a high-level Indian delegation visited the US from 4-8 March to discuss the contours of the proposed BTA.

"We are adhering to the commitments outlined in the joint statement issued on 13 February for the proposed BTA, which is targeted for completion by the fall of 2025," said the first among the three officials mentioned above on the sidelines of the release of trade data...