Indian mango, grape, pomegranate and lychee exporters are reportedly one step closer to gaining improved access to the U.S. market, following a bilateral video conference on agriculture last week. 

Website Economictimes.com reported U.S. authorities had agreed to send inspectors to approve the Asian country's pre-shipment inspection process.

The bilateral video conference was reported to be the first of its kind between the two nations, and was part of a collaborative effort to resolve outstanding trade issues.

An unnamed Indian official was quoted as saying the U.S. had assured them inspectors would arrive 'in the coming months', and that the 'matter is nearly sorted'.

The Economictimes.com story said the two governments had set up a trade policy forum in November last year for regular interaction, and India had been pushing for the easing of U.S. restrictions placed on some of its products due to sanitary and phytosanitary issues.

The story also said India exported just US$1 million of fresh mangoes to the U.S. in 2013-14, which was just 2% of the country's overall mango exports.

In addition, only US$30,000 of Indian table grape exports ended up in the U.S. that season, out of total shipments valued at US$279 million.

The European Union in January lifted a ban on Indian mango imports imposed last year after consignments were found to be contaminated with pests.

The ban was lifted after European Commission's team visited the country in September to inspect the packing houses and verify improvement in plant health controls and certification system with regard to fruits and vegetables.

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