Darpan Jain appointed as India’s lead negotiator for upcoming US trade discussions

India and the United States are set to hold trade consultations on December 10 and 11, with the agenda centered on key economic and commercial matters.

Darpan Jain, a 2001-batch IAS officer from the Karnataka cadre and currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has been selected to head India’s negotiating team for the forthcoming trade dialogue with the US.

The two-day meeting will address a broad spectrum of trade concerns as New Delhi and Washington push forward on developing a Bilateral Trade Agreement.

Jain, 48, takes over the responsibility from Rajesh Agrawal, who previously served in the position and has recently assumed charge as Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce. Agrawal will supervise the negotiations.

Over the last six years, Jain has been closely involved in multiple bilateral trade discussions within the Commerce Ministry and is widely regarded for his deep knowledge of global trade frameworks.

A senior delegation from the Office of the US Trade Representative—headed by Deputy USTR Ambassador Rick Switzer—will visit India from December 9 to 11 to participate in the talks.

Jain holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Delhi University, a Master of Science from the London School of Economics, and an M.Tech. from IIT Delhi.