US President Donald Trump says trade talks with India are progressing rapidly, with a deal expected before the 90-day tariff pause ends in July.
April 30, 2025: Washington DC — President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the United States is close to finalizing a bilateral trade agreement with India, noting that talks are “coming along great.” His comments suggest a deal could be announced within weeks, ahead of a looming 90-day tariff deadline in July.
“I think we’ll have a deal with India,” Trump told reporters outside the White House. “The Prime Minister was here three weeks ago. They want to make a deal.”
The statement follows remarks by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who said a deal was already done and only pending approvals from the Indian Parliament and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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“I have a deal done… but I need to wait for their Prime Minister and Parliament to give its approval,” Lutnick said on CNBC.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the optimism, saying India could be the first country to sign a trade deal under the Trump administration’s new strategy, possibly as soon as this or next week.
What’s on the Table: Trade Framework Highlights
According to reports from Reuters:
- India is prepared to grant the US a “forward most-favoured-nation” clause, a rare and significant concession.
- The clause ensures automatic extension of any future trade concessions India offers to other partners, giving the US privileged trade status.
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Additionally:
- India has identified 19 out of 24 product categories for fast-track negotiations.
- The remaining five categories — such as soybeans, corn, and military equipment — will be taken up in a second phase.
India’s Tariff Concessions:
India is reportedly offering to:
- Slash tariffs to 0–5% on key US exports like frozen meat, fish, poultry, fruits, and juices — currently taxed at 30–100%.
- Offer immediate tariff cuts on nearly 90% of 12,000 tariff lines, with the rest phased out later.
What India Wants in Return:
New Delhi is seeking:
- Lower duties on Indian exports in labour-intensive sectors — textiles, leather, furniture, gems, toys, and auto parts.
- A long-term US commitment on importing Indian pharmaceuticals and engineering goods.
- A role in replacing Chinese suppliers in the US market as Washington diversifies its supply chains.
Why the Rush?
The Trump administration’s 90-day tariff pause — announced as a window for renegotiating terms — expires in July 2025. The White House aims to seal trade deals with India and other key partners before that.
“The roadmap is set, the intent is mutual, and the deal could redefine US-India trade for the decade ahead,” a senior official was quoted as saying.
Tags:
India-US trade deal, Donald Trump, Narendra Modi, reciprocal tariffs, trade negotiations, MFN clause, US-India relations, Howard Lutnick, Scott Bessent, tariff concessions, WTO, agriculture trade, frozen meat exports, bilateral agreements, Indo-Pacific policy