India is not scrambling to stitch up a trade deal with the United States before July 9—the day Washington’s 90-day pause on new reciprocal tariffs is set to end. That’s the clear message coming from top government sources, who say New Delhi prefers a “win-win” outcome over a hurried compromise.
“It takes two to tango,” one official said on June 24, underlining that both sides want a balanced agreement, not a one-sided rush job. The comment hints at a more measured stance from India, resisting pressure to seal a deal for fear of being slapped with fresh tariffs next month.
In April, the US had announced steep reciprocal tariffs—up to 26% on Indian goods—before pausing their implementation for 90 days. The temporary hold, expected to expire on July 9, was meant to give countries time to negotiate early-tranche or interim trade deals with the US.
But even as pressure builds, Indian officials appear unbothered.
That’s the sentiment echoed by another senior official who said New Delhi is not reacting in haste to US signals. President Trump has indicated he will soon let each trading partner know what tariffs they can expect after July 9. Indian negotiators, however, are not treating this as a deadline-driven game.
Interestingly, even US officials seem unsure whether the 90-day window will be extended. For now, the mood in New Delhi is to stay engaged, but not desperate.
While both countries have wrapped up a round of negotiations in India earlier this month, the next round is due in the US. Dates are yet to be finalised.
One official flagged dairy as a “sensitive area” for India. The US is reportedly pushing for access to Indian dairy markets, something India hasn’t granted even to long-time trade partners like the UK or Australia. It’s a red zone in the negotiations—and could become a sticking point.
India doesn’t want its trade strategy compared to those of countries like Vietnam or China, the official added. “Our requirements are different. We are a unique country,” he said. New Delhi isn’t waiting on any other deals to fall into place. The focus is purely on whether the agreement serves Indian economic interests.
Talks are expected to continue in the coming weeks, and even though a pact by July 9 remains uncertain, officials believe whatever is agreed upon in this interim phase will feed into a larger, first-tranche deal expected by autumn.
