Donald Trump Says India-US Trade Deal Is ‘Pretty Close’, Signals Agreement Soon

US President Donald Trump has said India wants a trade deal with the United States, as both countries continue efforts to finalise a long-pending bilateral trade agreement. The latest development comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Washington, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing optimism that the remaining issues could be resolved soon.

Trump’s Remarks Come Amid Renewed Trade Negotiations

Trump’s remarks come at a crucial stage in negotiations over a proposed India-US trade agreement, which has faced delays amid disagreements over tariffs, market access and other economic issues. The two countries have been working towards an agreement aimed at expanding bilateral trade and improving access for businesses in each other's markets. However, differences over sensitive sectors and the terms of the deal have complicated efforts to reach a final understanding. Discussed Energy Security and Defence Cooperation: Marco Rubio After Meeting EAM Dr S Jaishankar.

While Trump’s statement signals continued interest in an agreement, the deal should not be considered finalised until both governments formally announce its completion.

Marco Rubio Says India-US Trade Deal Is Close

The latest comments follow talks between Rubio and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai on Tuesday, October 20. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rubio said Washington and New Delhi were very close to concluding the agreement, adding that only a small number of issues remained to be resolved. He expressed hope that the two sides could wrap up the outstanding matters shortly.

The discussions covered trade, energy security, technology, defence cooperation and regional developments. Both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening the broader strategic partnership alongside efforts to conclude the trade negotiations. Rubio’s comments followed earlier assurances from US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Indian officials that negotiations were progressing, although the final legal language and remaining differences still needed to be addressed. India-US Trade Deal Nears Finish Line, Only 1-2% Issues Left to Resolve: US Official.

What Is Holding Up the India-US Trade Deal?

Despite the positive signals, some differences remain over the terms of the proposed agreement. Market access, tariff treatment and protection for sensitive domestic sectors are among the issues shaping the negotiations. India is seeking favourable tariff rates and stable access to the US market, particularly for its exporters competing with manufacturers in countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and Indonesia. New Delhi also needs to balance US demands for greater market access with the interests of Indian farmers and domestic industries.

The agreement is also being negotiated against the backdrop of tensions over India's purchases of Russian oil and Washington's tariff policy. These issues have complicated bilateral economic ties over the past year.

India-US Trade Deal: What Happens Next?

India's Trade Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on October 15 that the first phase of the trade agreement had been finalised and was undergoing legal drafting. He also said India was seeking preferential market access and greater tariff stability.

Rubio's latest remarks and Trump's comments suggest that both governments remain optimistic about reaching an agreement. However, the final terms, signing date and implementation timeline have yet to be formally confirmed. A completed agreement could provide greater clarity for exporters and businesses in both countries, but its impact will depend on the final tariff arrangements, market-access provisions and protections agreed upon by the two sides.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2026 07:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).