Top Trump Trade Negotiator Urges India To ‘Trust Trump’ On Trade

In a significant development for US-India trade ties, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick- one of President Donald Trump’s chief trade negotiators- has urged India to trust the American President’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Speaking at the annual summit of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), Lutnick expressed optimism for a mutually beneficial trade deal.

“The President thinks of America first, but not America only,” Lutnick stated, adding, “He’s going to take care of India, whom he deeply admires and respects. We’re going to have a great, great relationship together.”

While voicing support for deeper cooperation, Lutnick also laid out a candid assessment of the current trade dynamics.

He criticised India’s high tariffs, calling them ‘very protectionist’, and questioned the rationale behind them.

“They have 100 per cent tariff on this and that, and when you ask why, there’s no clear answer,” he remarked.

Lutnick urged a reassessment of such policies, advocating for more reasonable tariff levels.

“Let’s go make this a proper trading relationship,” he said, suggesting that reducing barriers would foster trust and enhance mutual benefits.

Balancing Interests

Highlighting the reciprocal nature of trade negotiations, Lutnick noted that while the US seeks greater access to the Indian market, India will naturally expect preferential access to key sectors in the American marketplace.

He described the ideal outcome as a middle ground that benefits both economies.

“What I hope to achieve is market access. In return, India will want special access to sectors in the US. That’s the trade-off,” he explained.

Emphasising the need for action-oriented leadership on both sides, Lutnick argued that with the right negotiators at the table, deals need not take years.

“These kinds of talks usually drag on, but with the right people involved, we can move faster. I believe we’re in a very good place,” he said.

Lutnick expressed strong optimism, saying the US and India could reach a trade agreement in the near future.

“You should expect a deal between the United States and India in the not-too-distant future,” he predicted.

His comments come amid ongoing efforts by both countries to resolve trade differences and deepen strategic economic cooperation.

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