News Desk: US President Donald Trump has said that India and the United States are close to finalising a trade agreement, raising hopes of progress in economic ties between the two countries. His remarks came as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in India for a three-day official visit.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said both countries wanted to reach an agreement and suggested that a deal could be finalised soon. He also hinted that the agreement could take a different form than previously expected, but did not provide further details.
“We’re going to make a deal. Pretty close, yeah,” Bloomberg quoted Trump as saying.
Rubio also expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying India and the US were “very, very close” to reaching an agreement. During his visit, he indicated that only a small number of issues remained unresolved and that the two sides were working to settle them shortly.
“I would say we’re about as close as you can be without having executed the agreement,” Rubio said, expressing hope that an announcement could be made soon.
On Tuesday, Rubio met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai. Discussions included strengthening bilateral cooperation, with Rubio urging India to increase energy trade and purchase more American technologies and systems.
The latest statements follow months of negotiations between New Delhi and Washington. The two countries announced a framework for an interim trade agreement in February 2026, setting the stage for further discussions on market access and economic cooperation.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also indicated last week that significant progress had been made. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, he said the major issues had been addressed and that the countries were close to finalising the agreement.
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had also said that the first tranche of the bilateral trade agreement had been finalised and was undergoing legal drafting. He indicated that the agreement could be operationalised once the necessary formalities were completed and India secured a competitive position relative to other countries.
The trade negotiations have also taken place against the backdrop of US sanctions on countries purchasing Russian energy. Trump recently waived certain sanctions-related measures on national security grounds, while the possibility of further action against major purchasers of Russian crude remains.
Rubio previously acknowledged that the ongoing trade negotiations with India were among the considerations in discussions surrounding national security waivers.
Although both sides have expressed confidence, the final agreement has yet to be formally concluded. The remaining issues, along with the legal process, will determine how quickly the deal can be completed.
A successful agreement could strengthen economic ties between India and the US, expand trade opportunities and provide greater clarity for businesses in both countries.
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