US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has hinted at an impending trade agreement between India and the United States, stating that the two nations have “found a place that works for both countries”.
Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum’s Annual Leadership Summit on Monday, Lutnick noted that while trade deals typically take two to three years to finalise, the US is aiming to conclude one within a month — a timeline he described as “not the ordinary DNA of trading relationships between countries”.
“Earlier countries tend to secure better deals — that’s how it usually goes. I believe India is striving hard to be among the early ones, and I appreciate that,” he said. He added, “You should expect a deal between the United States and India in the not-too-distant future because I think we’ve found common ground that truly benefits both countries.”
Taking to X, Lutnick wrote: “We have a great relationship between our countries. I’m optimistic for a trade deal soon that will benefit both nations.”
He further remarked during the summit, “I’m a great admirer of India, and even the people in the Indian government know that to be true.”
According to a media report citing government sources, a US delegation will visit India on June 5–6 for discussions on the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The talks are reportedly progressing well.
The two sides are expected to sign the first tranche of the long-awaited agreement before July. Representatives from India’s Department of Commerce and the Office of the US Trade Representative met in Washington, DC, on April 23–25 as part of the ongoing dialogue.
As part of the BTA negotiations, both countries have launched ‘Mission 500’, an ambitious initiative aimed at more than doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
Government sources also indicated that India is currently reviewing the implications of a recent US court ruling which overturned the reciprocal tariffs introduced under President Donald Trump.
A potential trade deal would represent a major milestone in economic relations between India and the US, creating fresh opportunities for investment and bilateral commerce.
The US is India’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year, with total bilateral trade valued at $131.84 billion. India recorded a trade surplus of $41.18 billion in goods with the US during the same period.
(By arrangement with livemint.com)
