White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday (local time) confirmed that the United States and India are close to finalising a bilateral trade agreement, echoing earlier remarks made by President Donald Trump about the progress of the deal.
Responding to a question from media at a press briefing, Leavitt stated:
“Yes, the President said that last week (that the US and India are very close to a trade deal), and it remains true. I just spoke to our Secretary of Commerce about it. He was in the Oval Office with the President. They are finalising these agreements, and you’ll hear from the President and his trade team very soon when it comes to India.”
President Trump recently expressed cautious optimism about reaching a deal with India, especially around easing market access and reducing trade restrictions.
“India, I think we are going to reach a deal where we have the right to go and do trade. Right now, it’s restricted. You can’t walk in there, you can’t even think about it. We are looking to get a full trade barrier dropping, which is unthinkable and I am not sure that that is going to happen. But as of this moment, we agree that going to India and trade…” he said.
Speaking at a previous public event, Trump had declared:
“Everybody wants to make a deal and have a part of it… We just signed with China yesterday. We have one coming up, maybe with India. A very big one, where we’re going to open up India.”
US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick also confirmed during the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in June that a deal is “not too far away.”
“I think we are in a very, very good place, and you should expect a deal between the United States and India in the not-too-distant future,” Lutnick said, calling himself “very optimistic” about the outcome.
Back in India, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal reaffirmed the country’s commitment to achieving a “fair and equitable” trade agreement.
“PM Narendra Modi and US President Trump met in February 2025… Both our leaders have decided to enter into a bilateral trade agreement which will be mutually beneficial for both the economies, businesses on both sides, and the people of both countries. We are negotiating to make a nice, fair, equitable, and balanced agreement to promote business,” Goyal said during a press conference.
He also emphasised the broader diplomatic context, calling the US and India “very close friends, allies and strategic partners.”
With the July 9 deadline for concluding the 90-day pause on tariff escalations fast approaching, negotiators are racing to finalise the deal. However, sticking points remain, particularly over US demands for reduced duties on agricultural and dairy products, and market access for genetically modified (GMO) crops.
India has expressed reservations, citing potential risks to food security, environmental integrity, and the livelihood of domestic farmers. Government sources confirmed that India’s national interest would remain the top priority in finalising the agreement.
If successful, the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) is expected to significantly strengthen economic ties and open new avenues for both Indian and American businesses.