New Delhi, Mar 13 (PTI) The commerce ministry on Friday said India and the US remain engaged in discussions for a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement.

The ministry has denied reports about a hold off on bilateral engagement.

"We have noted a media report regarding ongoing trade talks with US. It is denied that there is any hold off in bilateral engagement. It is reiterated that the two sides remain engaged for a mutually beneficial trade agreement," the commerce ministry said in a statement.

The remarks assume significance as the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on March 11 launched a fresh round of Section 301 trade investigations targeting policies and industrial practices of 16 economies, including India and China.

Following a decision of the US Supreme Court striking down sweeping tariffs of the US administration, President Donald Trump has announced 10 per cent tariffs on all countries for 150 days from February 24. PTI RR HVA

Trade investigations drive continued India-US engagement on a bilateral trade pact amid parallel tariff measures and policy scrutiny. India's commerce ministry has denied reports of a pause in bilateral talks with the United States, confirming continued engagement toward a mutually beneficial trade agreement. This diplomatic position arises as the US launches new Section 301 trade investigations into policies of several economies, including India, and implements broad tariff measures following a domestic court decision, creating the policy context for negotiations.