India-US Trade Deal Nears Completion as Tariff Talks Heat Up
India-US Trade Deal Nears Completion as Tariff Talks Heat Up
India and the US move toward a bilateral trade pact, with officials emphasizing a balanced deal, while Trump signals possible tariff cuts.
New Delhi — India and the United States appear to be nearing a bilateral trade deal, with officials suggesting that negotiations are largely complete and that no further rounds may be needed unless new concerns arise. The development comes as both sides keep a close watch on how a pact could reshape trade, investment, and strategic ties.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said at an event in the capital that the government is aiming for a good trade deal in the interest of India, stressing the importance of balance. “We are working for a good trade deal in the interest of India. We want a fair, equitable, and balanced trade deal with the US. If that happens, it could happen any day, tomorrow, next month, or next year. But as a govt, we are preparing for everything,” Goyal said.
Separately, a senior official indicated that negotiations with the US were largely complete and that no additional rounds may be required unless the two sides come back with new concerns. “They (the US) have to get back to us. It’s the most comprehensive, WTO-compliant treaty compared to any other nation. We negotiated very cautiously, keeping in mind the sensitivities of key sectors. There is no deadline,” the official said.
The comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump signaled that the two countries were moving closer to a deal, suggesting that tariff reductions could be part of the package. Earlier, officials noted five rounds of talks at the official level and indicated that a Fall deadline had been referenced in discussions, with some optimism that a final pact could materialize before year-end. While officials have remained cautious about timelines, the sense across government circles is that the path toward a fair and balanced arrangement remains a priority for India.
Beyond the bilateral talks, Indian officials have been engaging with other potential partners and exploring a broader trade and investment agenda, underscoring a strategy of diversification and resilience in a dynamic global trade environment. The current focus remains on delivering a WTO-compliant treaty that respects India’s sensitivities while advancing economic interests on both sides.
Cover image source: Trump says U.S. getting close to reaching a trade deal with India 🔗
