Trump Hints at 'Very Big' Trade Deal with India Amid Final-Stage Talks

US President Donald Trump has signaled that a major trade pact with India could be imminent. He called it a “very big one” that could soon follow the US-China agreement signed earlier this month.

Speaking at a White House event, Trump declared, “We’re going to open up India,” adding that trade talks were advancing significantly. 

Image Source: PM NaMo on X

The remarks coincided with high-level negotiations in Washington, where an Indian delegation led by Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agarwal is holding talks to resolve key differences.

The proposed deal aims to cover a broad range of issues including digital trade, pharmaceutical exports, electronic goods, agricultural access, and defense supply chains.

However, sources familiar with the discussions say disagreements remain—particularly over tariff concessions for US agricultural products like maize and soybean. India remains wary of genetically modified imports, a major component of US agribusiness.

Earlier this month, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that both sides were “in a very good place” and a final agreement could be reached “in the not-too-distant future.”

India, for its part, insists the deal must be fair and balanced. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently reiterated that India would protect its core interests and reject any deal that compromises national priorities.

The talks carry added urgency due to a looming July 9 deadline, when India is scheduled to implement reciprocal tariffs of up to 26%—a measure temporarily suspended after Trump announced a 90-day freeze.

In the same speech, Trump also outlined his selective trade strategy, stating: “Some we are just going to send a letter… you are to pay 25, 35, 45 per cent,” indicating a shift to more targeted trade enforcement.

While Trump did not detail the China deal, the White House confirmed it includes new commitments on critical minerals such as rare earths—potentially foreshadowing similar strategic angles in the India pact.

As the clock ticks, all eyes are now on Washington and New Delhi. If successful, the agreement would mark one of India’s most significant bilateral trade milestones and redefine its economic engagement with the United States.