However, talks with GM stalled after it wanted intellectual property and distribution rights in Russia to be included in any deal.

BBC: Germany affirms Magna preference

The United States has long accused India of dragging its feet on introducing intellectual property rights, and sought assurances in the last round of trade talks that India would pass laws that would enforce US copyright laws in India.

BBC: Basmati battle boils on

Instead, the talks will focus primarily on longer-term issues, such as tourism, energy and the environment, intellectual property rights and reducing the U.S.' trade deficit with China.

FORBES: China's Currency Problems