New Delhi, May 16 -- India and the US are likely to sign their long-awaited bilateral trade agreement before 8 July when the 90-day pause on the US's reciprocal tariff action expires, two government officials aware of the trade negotiations said.

A high-level Indian delegation, led by commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal and India's chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, is heading to Washington for in-person negotiations with their US counterparts. While some members of the Indian team are scheduled to leave on Thursday, others will depart on Friday, the officials said on the condition of anonymity.

"Talks are moving in a positive direction. Both sides are upbeat and confident. We are hoping the agreement can be signed well ahead of t...