India-US Trade Deal: Trump Says Agreement Is ‘Pretty Close’, Offers No Timeline

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday indicated that India and the United States were close to reaching a trade agreement, describing the proposed deal as significantly different from previous arrangements.

“They want to make a deal. We’re going to make a deal pretty close,” Trump told reporters during an Oval Office interaction alongside Vice President JD Vance.

“Yeah, that’s going to be a much different kind of deal than we’ve made,” he added, without elaborating on the proposed agreement or specifying a timeline for concluding negotiations.

Trump spoke as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India for talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He gave no details on progress over tariffs, agriculture or market access.

India and the US continue negotiations to expand trade and resolve longstanding barriers, with businesses and investors closely watching the outcome.

The agreement could affect Indian exports, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods and electronics, while US businesses seek greater access to India’s consumer and manufacturing markets.

Trade remains central to Trump’s economic agenda, which prioritises tariffs, reciprocal market access and domestic manufacturing. He further highlighted efforts to reduce US trade deficits with Canada, Mexico and the European Union.

Trump announced no specific decisions on India’s tariffs or outstanding negotiation issues.

Trade and investment remain key pillars of India-US ties, alongside defence, technology and energy cooperation.

Trump’s latest comments signal optimism about the negotiations, although the final terms and timing of an agreement remain unclear.

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