Trump Hints at Imminent Trade Deal with India, Says 'Talks Are Going Great'

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday expressed optimism about an upcoming bilateral trade deal with India, saying discussions are moving quickly and a final agreement could be announced soon.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said:

“India trade talks are going great. I think we’ll have a deal with India.”

He added that India is eager to finalize an agreement, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington three weeks ago.

High-Level Dialogue Gains Momentum

Trump’s remarks follow recent statements by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who indicated that the two nations are “close to reaching a trade agreement.” Bessent said significant progress had been made during Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Delhi, where he met with PM Modi.

“A country like India, which has posted and ready tariffs, is much easier to negotiate with,” Bessent noted.

Meanwhile, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted that the U.S. has already reached a deal with an unnamed foreign power to ease reciprocal tariffs — widely believed to be India.

Background: Trump’s Tariff Push

On April 2, President Trump introduced a new wave of reciprocal tariffs targeting all trading partners. The order included:

• 26% tariffs on Indian goods

• 245% tariffs on Chinese imports

• 25% auto tariffs already in effect

• Planned 10–25% tariffs on pharmaceutical and semiconductor imports

In response, several countries — including China — retaliated with higher tariffs of their own. China, for instance, imposed 125% tariffs on U.S. goods. However, India chose not to retaliate, signaling a more cooperative stance toward resolution.

What’s Next?

While no specific date has been announced for the signing of a trade agreement, all signs point toward a deal materializing soon. If successful, it would mark a major reset in U.S.–India trade relations, potentially easing tensions across sectors like automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and technology.