New York, Sept. 29 -- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has noted that a trade agreement between India and the US, if finalised, would foster "better" bilateral ties, observing that initial optimism regarding swift progress had been "tested" against a far more intricate ground reality.

Addressing prominent members of the Indian-American diaspora alongside policy experts on Monday during a special interaction hosted by the Asia Society, EAM Jaishankar delivered the remarks as the high-level week of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly wrapped up in New York.

Moderated by former American diplomat and distinguished fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute Daniel Russel, the discussion featured questions regarding India-US dy...