New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- India and the United States are negotiating a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) covering goods, services and investment, with discussions also touching on liberalisation of trade in non-sensitive agricultural products, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada told the Lok Sabha that the government is consulting widely with stakeholders, including farming experts, to ensure the interests of India's rural economy and agricultural sector are safeguarded.

"The government is committed to taking all necessary steps to secure and advance the country's national interest and protect the welfare of our farmers, rural economy and agriculture sector," he said in a...