WASHINGTON— U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about trade negotiations with India, saying the talks are “coming along great” and suggesting a deal could be on the horizon.
Speaking to reporters en route to a rally in Michigan marking the first 100 days of his second term, Trump said, “I think we’ll have a deal with India… they want to make a deal.”
While the President refrained from setting a timeline, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who has been leading trade talks with Asia, suggested that a deal with India could be the first signed in the aftermath of Trump’s sweeping tariff measures. Those measures included reciprocal levies aimed at reducing the trade deficit and equalizing import duties with most U.S. partners.
India, initially hit with a 26% tariff under Trump’s new plan—temporarily reduced to 10%—has not retaliated, in contrast to China. Instead, it moved swiftly to engage in negotiations, which the administration now cites as a model for other trade partners.
“I would guess that India would be one of the first trade deals we would sign,” Bessent told CNBC, adding that an agreement could be finalized within the next two weeks.
While specifics remain undisclosed, U.S. officials are reportedly pushing for significant reductions in India’s import duties on automobiles—one of Washington’s long-standing demands. (Source: IANS)
