India, Nov. 10 -- A team of US officials visited India earlier this month for talks on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) as New Delhi and Washington remain engaged for an early conclusion of the first tranche of the deal, an official said on Tuesday.

The two sides discussed issues pertaining to customs and trade facilitation last week in New Delhi, the official said requesting anonymity.

Indian officials are positive about the proposed mutually beneficial deal, and ruled out any interruption in talks because of the outcome of recent midterm elections in the US.

The US and India have a very consequential relationship, which apart from trade, draws strengths from economic, political and security imperatives, they said, asking ...