US President Donald Trump signals progress in India-US trade negotiations, saying a deal is “pretty close” while hinting at a different kind of agreement. (Images: X)
Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has indicated that India and the United States are nearing an agreement on a long-awaited trade deal, while suggesting that the proposed pact could take a different form from previous agreements signed by Washington DC.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump expressed confidence about the negotiations. “They want to make a deal. We’re going to make a deal. Pretty close, yeah,” he said, adding that it would be “a much different kind of deal than we’ve done.” He did not provide further details about the proposed arrangement.
The latest remarks come after more than a year of negotiations between New Delhi and Washington aimed at resolving trade-related differences and strengthening economic ties. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also indicated on Tuesday that the two countries were close to finalising an agreement, with a limited number of issues still requiring attention. His visit to India has included discussions on trade, energy, technology, defence and broader bilateral cooperation.
India and the US announced a framework for the first phase of their Bilateral Trade Agreement in February 2026. However, changes in US tariff policies and differences over trade terms have influenced the subsequent negotiations.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has said that the first tranche of the agreement has been finalised and is undergoing legal drafting. India is also seeking competitive advantages for its exporters in the American market.
Although recent statements from officials on both sides suggest progress, the final terms and timing of the agreement have not been officially confirmed. Trump's comments have raised expectations of a potential breakthrough, but the significance of his reference to a “much different” deal remains unclear until further details emerge. The outcome could prove important for bilateral trade and the broader economic partnership between the two countries.
