India, U.S. Close To Trade Deal

Image credit-The Telegraph

India, U.S. Close To Trade Deal

By The News Daily| July 1, 2025

India and the United States appear to be moving closer to finalising a major Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) as the July 9 deadline approaches. The momentum comes on the back of growing strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific region and a strong personal relation between U.S. President Mr. Donald Trump and Indian Prime Shri Minister Narendra Modi.

During a press briefing on June 30, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised India’s vital role in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted President Trump’s positive relationship with PM Modi. She also expressed optimism about an upcoming trade agreement, saying, "They are finalising these agreements, and you’ll hear from the President and his trade team very soon."

Trade Talks Enter Final Stage

President Trump had recently stated that the U.S. is aiming for "full trade barrier dropping" with India to ensure better market access. However, he admitted it might be difficult to achieve the complete removal of restrictions.

“India, I think we are going to reach a deal… Right now, it’s restricted. You can’t walk in there, you can’t even think about it,” said Trump. "We are looking to get a full trade barrier dropping, which is unthinkable and I am not sure that that is going to happen."

With just under two weeks left before the 90-day tariff escalation pause ends, trade officials from both sides are engaged in intense talks to hammer out a mutually beneficial deal.

Strategic Partnership: Indo-Pacific & QUAD

India's growing relevance in the Indo-Pacific has also been acknowledged by the U.S. Responding to questions from news agency ANI, Karoline Leavitt said, “India remains a very strategic ally in the Asia Pacific, and the President has a very good relationship with Prime Minister Modi.”

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in the U.S. for the QUAD Foreign Ministers' Meeting and recently inaugurated a powerful exhibit at the United Nations titled “The Human Cost of Terrorism,” aiming to spotlight state-sponsored terrorism.

The QUAD, comprising India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia, continues to focus on keeping the Indo-Pacific open, stable, and resilient. The grouping was originally formed in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Trump Accepts Modi’s Invite to QUAD Summit in Delhi

Adding to the growing synergy, President Trump has accepted PM Modi’s invitation to attend the upcoming QUAD Summit in New Delhi later this year. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the conversation between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada.

“President Trump said that he is excited to come to India,” Misri shared in a video message.

As the clock ticks toward the critical trade deadline, all eyes are now on Washington and New Delhi to see whether this goodwill translates into a breakthrough deal.(sourc-The Hindu)

#IndiaUSTradeDeal#ModiTrump #QUADSummit#USIndiaRelations