India-US Trade Deal News Live: India engaging in trade talks on its own terms; no deadlines, only national interest, says Piyush Goyal

India-US Trade Deal News Live: No deadlines, only national interest

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday reiterated that India will not be pressured into signing trade deals based on arbitrary deadlines. Instead, any free trade agreement (FTA) India enters will be rooted in mutual benefit and national interest. Speaking to reporters, Goyal confirmed that the country is currently negotiating trade agreements with several global partners, including the United States, European Union, Oman, Chile, Peru, and New Zealand, but firmly on its own terms.

“An FTA should be a win-win. India never negotiates trade deals based on deadlines. Our focus is always on fairness and what benefits the country,” he said.

Goyal added that India remains open to fair and balanced trade agreements with the developed world, but is not willing to compromise on its core priorities. When asked about a potential visit to Washington DC, Goyal clarified that there are no immediate plans for such a trip, especially with the Parliament session about to begin.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: ‘We do not do trade deals on deadlines’: Piyush Goyal asserts India’s stand on FTAs

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said India does not enter trade agreements based on deadlines, but on mutual benefit and national interest.

“India negotiates trade deals on its own terms. Our priority is what benefits the country,” Goyal said, adding that ongoing negotiations are underway with the EU, New Zealand, Oman, Chile, and others.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: India plans WTO retaliation against US auto tariffs amid ongoing trade talks

India on Friday informed the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that it plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on selected US-origin products in response to America’s recent duty hike on automobiles and certain auto parts.

In a formal WTO notification, India said the proposed move involves suspending concessions by raising tariffs, as permitted under global trade rules. “India reserves its right to suspend concessions or other obligations after thirty days from the date of this notification,” it stated.

On May 3, the US imposed a 25% ad valorem safeguard tariff on imports of passenger vehicles, light trucks, and certain auto parts. India has objected to the move, saying the US has failed to notify the measure and that it violates WTO norms.

The development comes even as both countries edge closer to a limited trade agreement.

India proposes retaliatory duties against US over auto tariffs

India has proposed imposing retaliatory tariffs on select US goods under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, in response to the US's 25% safeguard duties on Indian automobile parts and vehicles. These US tariffs, effective from May 3, 2025, have not been formally notified to the WTO, prompting India to seek redress.

According to India’s WTO notification, the US measures violate the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and the Agreement on Safeguards. Since consultations have not occurred, India has reserved the right to suspend concessions. The US tariffs impact $2.89 billion worth of Indian exports annually, with estimated duties amounting to $723.75 million.

This move follows India's earlier actions against US tariffs on steel and aluminium, even as both nations continue negotiating an interim trade deal.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: India trade deal likely before July 8, but agri, dairy may be left out

A preliminary "mini-deal" between India and its trade partner could be signed before July 8, according to a report by NDTV citing industry sources. Contentious sectors such as agriculture and dairy are expected to be kept out of the first phase and addressed in later negotiations due to sensitivities around rural livelihoods and food safety.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Thursday acknowledged that not all sectors would benefit immediately. “We will not have 100 per cent winners,” the industry body said, adding that free trade agreements (FTAs) would be implemented in phases, with politically sensitive areas taken up later.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: '10% US baseline tariff likely to stay,' says Australia's PM

Australia will likely still be subjected to the 10% tariff rate on all exports to U.S. but the government will continue to try and negotiate for an exemption, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. When asked if Australia will stay on the 10% baseline tariff rate after July 9 , Albanese said, "I assume that will be the case." The U.S. tariff deadline of July 9 is not expected to affect Australia, he added.

"We are in a position where on July 9 that won't really have an impact on us because that's about other countries who have higher rates," said Albanese. "No country has a better tariff level than 10%. Now we will continue to put our case as we do," he added.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: South Korea may seek extension to tariff freeze in US talks

South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo said he might request an extension of the freeze on U.S. tariffs that is set to expire within days when he heads to Washington for talks with U.S. officials. He is set to visit US today.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: European shares fall as US tariff deadline looms

European stock markets plunged, as investors weighed uncertainty over US trade deals ahead of the July 9 deadline. U.S. President Donald Trump said that Washington will start sending letters to countries on Friday specifying what tariff rates they will face on imports to the United States.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Trump-Modi to take final call on trade deal as differences persist, say sources

India’s chief negotiator returned from US last night. Talks at the level of officials have likely concluded, and US President Donald Trump and Indian PM Narendra Modi are set to take the final call on trade deal as differences over dairy, farm persists, sources said.

A mini trade deal between India and US before July 9 requires political push, but India is still hopeful of securing a deal with US before July 9, they added.

Trade Deal News Live: 100 countries likely to see 10% reciprocal tariff rate, says US Treasury Secretary

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Bloomberg Television that about 100 countries are likely to see a reciprocal tariff rate of 10%. He also predicted a "flurry" of trade deals to be announced before a July 9 deadline when tariffs could rise sharply.

If 10% tariffs were given to 100 countries, that would be fewer than originally envisioned by the Trump administration.

Trade Deal News Live: India-US trade deal talks likely done; final push awaited from Modi & Trump, says source

Talks for a mini-trade deal at the level of negotiators may have been concluded and now political directions are being awaited from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, a source privy to the matter said. “The two sides have done the talking, now it is a political call, which is what we are waiting for. And the announcement hinges on the schedules of both the heads of states," this source said. (Read more)

Trade Deal News Live: US-Vietnam trade pact aims to push China out of Southeast Asian supply chains

In a dramatic turnabout of US trade policy, President Trump has secured a preliminary trade agreement with Vietnam that aims to restrain China's control of world supply chains. The action is directly targeted at China, which has come under fire for using countries like Vietnam to avoid US tariffs. The officials say that the agreement can serve as a model for subsequent agreements with other Southeast Asian nations as Washington redoubles its effort to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacture. (Read more)

Trade Deal News Live: Trump to send letters on tariff rates to 10-12 nations today

US President Donald Trump said his administration will start sending letters informing trading partners of their tariff rates as soon as Friday, as negotiations to avoid higher US levies enter the final stretch. He said 10-12 countries will get letters on Friday and will range in value from 60%-70% and 10%-20%.

“I’d rather send out a letter saying this is what you’re going to pay to do business in the United States…And I think it will be well received,” he said.

Trade Deal News Live: Trump says countries will have to start paying tariffs from August 1

US President Donald Trump said countries will start paying tariffs from August 1. “They’ll be fully covered and they’ll range in value from maybe 60 or 70% tariffs to 10 and 20% tariffs,” he said late Thursday (US time).

Trade Deal News Live: RSS to discuss US trade deal in three-day meeting

Internal security concerns involving Pakistan, illegal immigration from Bangladesh, and the ongoing India-US trade tariff negotiations are expected to be key topics at the upcoming meeting of RSS regional office-bearers, according to an Economic Times report. The three-day meeting, set to begin on July 4, will be attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, and other senior leaders of the Sangh. Affiliate organizations such as the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), Laghu Udyog Bharti, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, and Bhartiya Kisan Sangh are also likely to weigh in on the trade deal discussions.

Trade Deal News Live: Jakarta's $34 billion play to secure tariff deal with US

The US and Indonesia will sign trade and investment pacts worth $34 billion as part of Jakarta's efforts to secure a tariff deal ahead of a July 9 deadline. Indonesia plans to invest in the US and purchase American agricultural goods and $15.5 billion of energy products under a memorandum of understanding to be signed on July 7, Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto told reporters in Jakarta on Thursday. - Bloomberg

Trade Deal News Live: What's the market sentiment

Investors are closely watching for a potential trade deal between India and the U.S. as President Donald Trump's July 9 deadline for imposing punitive reciprocal tariffs approaches.

90 days, 90 trade deals? Here’s what Trump has actually pulled off ahead of July 9 deadline

When US President Donald Trump imposed sweeping ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs on dozens of countries in April this year, he stunned allies and rivals alike. Then, just a week later, he stunned them again by announcing a 90-day pause on the tariffs to give countries a window to strike bilateral trade agreements with the United States by July 9. Top Trump officials boldly promised “90 deals in 90 days.” But as the clock ticks down, how many actual deals have materialised? The answer, it seems, is far fewer than the rhetoric suggested – raising questions about the effectiveness of Trump’s trade brinkmanship. (Read More)

Dollar holds firm against euro, yen as US trade pressure mounts

• The dollar held gains on Friday after President Donald Trump got his signature tax cut bill across the final hurdle and pressure mounted on countries to secure trade deals with the United States.
• The greenback rallied from multi-year lows against the euro and the British pound hit earlier in the week after stronger than expected U.S. jobs data pushed out the timing for potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
• The Republican-controlled House of Representatives narrowly passed Trump's "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" of spending and tax cuts that is estimated to add $3.4 trillion to the nation's $36.2 trillion debt. Trump is expected to sign the bill into law on Friday. - Reuters

Trade Deal News Live: Full EU-US trade deal ‘impossible’ before deadline, says Ursula von der Leyen

• A comprehensive EU-US trade deal is “impossible” to finalise before the July 9 deadline, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday, ahead of key talks in Washington. Instead, both sides are now working toward a more limited “agreement in principle.”
• After nearly three months of negotiations, the EU and the US are inching closer to a tentative accord aimed at avoiding US President Donald Trump’s looming threat to impose 50 percent tariffs on EU goods next week.
• “It’s a massive undertaking, given that we share the largest trade relationship in the world — €1.5 trillion annually — with immense complexity and volume,” von der Leyen said during a press conference.

Trade Deal Leaves Vietnam With Questions and One Big Challenge

• With the dust far from having settled on this week’s US-Vietnam trade agreement, one thing is clear: companies operating in what’s become one of the most vibrant Asian economies are on notice to move up the value chain.
• A key element of the deal first unveiled by US President Donald Trump is a differentiated tariff setting, with a 20% American surtax on Vietnamese-produced goods and a 40% levy on those trans-shipped from elsewhere through Vietnam. That’s largely aimed at China, which produces many of the inputs companies operating in its southern neighbor use for assembling their products.
• “It will be quite difficult for Vietnam,” Do Thi Thuy Huong, an executive board member of the country’s main electronics association, said of the new tariff schedule. “But it is a motivation for the country’s economy — especially for the manufacturing sector, to develop more in an actual and substantial manner” and boost localization, she said. - Bloomberg

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Trump casts doubt on US-Japan trade deal ahead of tariff deadline

President Donald Trump said he is not confident that the United States will reach a trade agreement with Japan before next week’s deadline, when paused global tariffs are set to be reinstated after a three-month suspension.

Trump says likely to start informing countries of US tariffs Friday

• President Donald Trump said he plans to start sending letters informing trading partners of their tariff rates as soon as Friday, as negotiations to avoid higher US levies enter the final stretch.
• "My inclination is to send a letter out and say what tariff they're going to be paying," he told reporters on Thursday. "It's just much easier." - AFP

India-US Trade Deal News Live: As buzz grows around trade deal, PM Modi continues is Caribbean tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Port of Spain on Thursday, marking the second stop of his ongoing five-nation tour. During his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Modi is set to hold high-level talks with the country’s top leadership to further enhance the bilateral relationship. (Read More)

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Why it is being called 'mini' trade deal?

Any agreement reached by July 9 is expected to mark only the initial phase of a broader push toward a comprehensive bilateral trade pact with India — a process insiders say could take at least another year to fully materialize.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Here's what Trump said shortly after US Congress passed the spending bill

• President Donald Trump hailed the passage of his flagship tax and spending bill by Congress, saying it would boost the US economy like a "rocket ship."
• "It's going to make this country into a rocket ship," Trump told reporters as he headed for a rally in Iowa to kick off America's 250th birthday celebrations, calling it the "the biggest bill of its kind ever signed." - AFP

India-US Trade Deal News Live: India emerges as tariff war winner-in-waiting, says Moody’s

India could be positioned to benefit from lower US tariffs compared to other Asia-Pacific (APAC) nations, potentially enhancing its appeal as a global manufacturing hub, Moody’s Ratings stated on Thursday. In its regional outlook on APAC sovereigns, Moody’s noted that several export-dependent economies across the region were hit by sharply increased US tariffs in April. While bilateral negotiations may ease some of these trade barriers, persistent policy uncertainty continues to weigh on investment decisions and hamper trade momentum. (Read More)

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Sign mini trade deal on July 4; full pact may follow during Trump visit

India and the United States are expected to sign a limited trade agreement on July 4, with a comprehensive deal likely to be finalised during former President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to India later this year, sources told Republic.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Agriculture likely to be exempted from tariffs?

India and the United States are on the verge of concluding an interim trade agreement, with negotiations entering the final stretch ahead of a likely announcement before July 8, according to government sources familiar with the matter told Republic.

A key breakthrough in the talks involves the proposed exemption of the agriculture sector from tariff impositions, a long-standing demand from the Indian side. The move is expected to bring relief to Indian farmers and agri-exporters, as trade in agricultural goods has remained one of the most sensitive and politically charged issues in the ongoing negotiations.

Officials said discussions have intensified over the past few weeks, with both countries working to resolve outstanding issues around tariff and non-tariff barriers, market access, and supply chain cooperation. The aim is to create a framework that supports deeper economic integration and builds resilience across key sectors.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Expert says 'necessary compromises' reached between India and US

Mark Linscott, an adviser to the US‑India Strategic Partnership Forum and the former lead US negotiator during the Trump administration, says an interim trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington is on the brink of completion, explaining that both sides have already made the “necessary compromises,” and he is confident its announcement is imminent, NDTV has reported.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: India ‘very close’ to sealing interim trade deal with US

The long-anticipated interim trade deal between India and the U.S. may be announced soon, according to official sources quoted by the Financial Express on Thursday. The agreement is vital for New Delhi to prevent a steep rise in tariffs on its exports to the U.S., the world’s largest market. Negotiations are reportedly “very close” to being finalized.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Tariffs and bilateral trade goal of 2030

Negotiators have acknowledged that without broader tariff cuts, especially on high-employment goods, the goal of doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 is unrealistic, NDTV reported.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: India seeks tariff cuts for key exports

• India is seeking significant tariff reductions for its labour-intensive exports like footwear, garments, and leather.
• These industries are vital to the country’s economy and provide employment to millions.
• Indian negotiators have made it clear that they will not agree to any trade deal that doesn’t offer improved market access and reciprocal tariff benefits.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: What is India's stand?

>> India does not permit genetically modified (GM) food crops, while the majority of corn and soybean grown in the U.S. is GM-based.

>> Dairy is a particularly sensitive issue in India due to deep-rooted cultural and dietary beliefs.

>> Indian consumers are wary of the fact that U.S. cattle are often fed animal by-products, which goes against common Indian food practices and sentiments.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: What are the products that US is lobbying for?

The United States is urging India to open its markets to a broad spectrum of American goods such as dairy, poultry, corn, soybeans, rice, wheat, ethanol, citrus fruits, almonds, pecans, apples, grapes, canned peaches, chocolates, cookies, and frozen French fries. Although India appears ready to ease restrictions on U.S. dry fruits and apples, it remains cautious about permitting imports of key agricultural items like corn, soybeans, wheat, and dairy products.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: 'Self certification' system on the cards?

A new proposal under consideration suggests implementing a 'self-certification' system for American exporters to address India's requirements regarding GM-free/non-GMO status of imported products whilst streamlining the process, Economic Times quoted sources as saying.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: No quick win on tariff elimination, says US

As trade talks between India and the United States continue, the US has ruled out immediate elimination of tariffs, despite India’s repeated calls for duty-free market access on several key export categories.

India has requested zero-tariff entry for:

Textiles and apparel

Leather goods

Pharmaceuticals

Engineering products

Auto components

However, US negotiators have told Indian officials that the Trump administration will not commit to immediate tariff cuts, citing broader trade policy priorities.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Trade veterans at the helm

President: Donald Trump

Trump has made reciprocal trade a central part of his economic agenda, with India now in focus. He has said a “very big deal” to open India’s markets could be signed soon.

Commerce Secretary: Howard Lutnick

A key figure in executing Trump’s trade vision, Lutnick is involved in high-level decision-making on tariff strategies and market access.

Chief Negotiator: Brendan Lynch

Designation: Assistant US Trade Representative (USTR) for South and Central Asia

Role: Manages US trade policy with 15 countries across the region

Past Positions:

Deputy Assistant USTR

Director for India

Lynch coordinates key forums like the US-India Trade Policy Forum and regional TIFAs (Trade and Investment Framework Agreements), making him central to crafting and closing the final agreement.

Trade Counsel: Jamieson Greer

An experienced trade attorney and former Chief of Staff at the USTR, Greer supports the legal framework and compliance side of the US negotiation strategy.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Trade diplomacy led from the top

Prime Minister: Narendra Modi

India’s strategic direction on the deal is being guided by the Prime Minister’s office, with the emphasis on protecting core domestic sectors like agriculture and dairy.

Commerce and Industry Minister: Piyush Goyal

Minister Goyal is overseeing the broader policy framework and coordination across ministries, ensuring alignment with India’s economic and political priorities.

Chief Negotiator: Rajesh Agrawal

Designation: Special Secretary, and Commerce Secretary Designate

Cadre: 1993-batch IAS officer, Manipur

Experience:

Led India’s FTA review with ASEAN

Negotiated trade pacts with Australia and Peru

Heads APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)

Agrawal’s expertise in agriculture trade policy is particularly relevant, as US access to Indian agri markets remains a sticking point in the talks.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: What India may allow

People familiar with the talks told Bloomberg that India may agree to limited imports of:

Soybean meal – used in animal and poultry feed

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a high-protein byproduct of corn-based ethanol production

These products are widely used as livestock feed ingredients, not as direct food for human consumption. The proposal aims to balance trade concessions with domestic sensitivities over food safety and farmer interests.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: India signals flexibility on GM imports

India is considering allowing imports of some processed genetically modified (GM) farm products from the United States, marking a potential softening of its long-standing opposition to GM agricultural imports.

This move comes as negotiations between New Delhi and Washington intensify ahead of a crucial July 9 deadline, after which higher US tariffs on Indian exports are set to kick in.

(From Bloomberg)

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Dairy - Sacred ground for India

While not a major US export yet, dairy has become the most culturally sensitive point in trade talks.

India’s current rules:

Duties are steep: 30% on cheese, 40% on butter, and 60% on milk powder.

An additional layer of regulation requires that imported dairy be sourced from animals not fed on bovine by-products, a clause the US sees as “religious and cultural.”

Why it’s non-negotiable:

Over 80 million Indians depend on dairy for livelihood, mostly small-scale farmers.

Allowing cheap dairy imports could spark social unrest, much like past farmer agitations.

India is unlikely to concede on dairy, but it could be used as a bargaining chip to negotiate harder on maize, ethanol, or soyabean.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Ethanol - Fuel or favouritism?

India is the third-largest market for US ethanol, even though imports are currently restricted to non-fuel industrial use under special licences.

US Demands:

The US wants open access for ethanol as fuel, tapping into India’s large ethanol blending programme (EBP).

India’s Stance:

Ethanol blending is aimed at reducing crude oil imports and supporting domestic farmers growing sugarcane and grains.

Letting in cheap US ethanol could undermine India’s EBP goals and hurt local distilleries.

For India, fuel-grade ethanol imports are a clear red line, both economically and politically.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Corn - The GM dilemma

The US is the world’s top producer and exporter of maize, most of which is genetically modified (GM). In contrast, India neither grows nor imports GM corn, citing food safety and public opposition.

Why It Matters:

India allows limited maize imports: up to 0.5 million tonnes at 15% duty, and 50% beyond that.

A US-backed proposal suggests allowing GM maize imports exclusively for ethanol production, not food or feed.

The Resistance:

Sugar mills fear marginalisation, as maize already supplies nearly half of India’s ethanol output.

Political implications loom large, especially in Bihar, a major maize producer headed into assembly elections.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: The four big farm flashpoints

While the US pushes to lower trade barriers and open new export avenues, India’s stance remains clear: agriculture and dairy are red lines.

“There’s no way we could do anything that would weaken our agriculture or our farmers’ positions,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said recently.

At the heart of the deadlock are four contentious commodities:

• Corn (Maize)
• Ethanol
• Soyabean
• Dairy

Each represents not just economic stakes, but deep-rooted political sensitivities.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: What markets want? Tariff relief for key sectors

The Indian stock market is watching closely. A deal, even an interim one, that removes or reduces tariffs could unlock upside for several export-driven sectors, including:

• IT services
• Pharmaceuticals
• Textiles and Apparel
• Auto components
• Electronics

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Will India’s economy suffer?

Surprisingly, India may be more resilient than expected. When Trump first announced his tariff regime, experts noted that:

• India’s economy is consumption-led, with relatively less reliance on exports.
• Trade surplus with the US is modest, unlike China or Germany.
• Most affected sectors, like textiles, leather, and chemicals, form just 1.1 percent of India’s GDP.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: What’s next?

If no deal is signed by July 9, the Trump tariffs are back, likely triggering retaliation from India and a broader chill in ties.

If the deal goes through, it will mark a significant reset in India–US trade ties, potentially paving the way for a full-scale Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the years ahead.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Why this deal matters

• It could end one of the most prolonged trade standoffs between the two democracies.
• It has major implications for India’s MSME exporters, who risk losing US market share.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Behind the scenes - Who’s leading the talks?

The negotiations are being helmed by Rajesh Agarwal, India’s Special Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Talks were initially set for three days but have now extended into a second week, a sign of both sticking points and possible breakthroughs.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: What each side wants

For the US:

• Open access to India’s agri markets
• Clear path for American tech exports
• A symbolic win over China on global trade alignment

For India:

• Avoid retaliatory tariffs on exports
• Protect politically volatile domestic sectors
• Push bilateral trade towards $500 billion by 2030

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Trump’s tariff clock is ticking

Back in April, Trump’s team announced a 26 percent tariff hike on a wide range of Indian imports, citing India as a ‘tariff abuser.’ The measure was temporarily suspended for 90 days, ending July 9.

Now, Trump’s message is blunt:

“India doesn’t accept anybody in. If they do, we’ll have a deal, with much less tariffs.”

India-US Trade Deal News Live: The roadblocks - Agriculture and dairy are non-negotiable

Despite optimism, two issues remain deadlocked:

US Agriculture Exports

Washington wants India to open its market to genetically modified crops like:

• Corn
• Soybeans
• Wheat
• Rice

India’s Dairy Sector

The US is also pushing for access to India’s dairy market, a politically sensitive segment employing 80 million people, largely in rural regions.

But New Delhi isn’t budging.

“Conceding on agriculture or dairy is a red line. It risks triggering another farm protest wave like 2020–21,” said a senior Indian trade official.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: What’s in the Deal? India pushes for export gains

India’s top ask? Market access. Specifically, for its labour-intensive sectors, the backbone of its export economy and a source of mass employment:

• Textiles
• Gems & Jewellery
• Leather goods
• Plastics & Chemicals

The goal: secure zero or reduced tariff access to the US, India’s largest export destination after the EU. With global trade slowing, these sectors desperately need relief to stay competitive.

India-US Trade Deal News Live: Will India and the US seal the deal in time?

After years of back-and-forth, India and the United States are on the brink of clinching a long-awaited interim trade pact. As of July 3, 2025, negotiators are burning the midnight oil in Washington, racing against the clock to finalise the agreement within the next 48 hours.

What’s fueling the urgency? A fast-approaching July 9 deadline, when President Donald Trump’s threat of a 26 percent tariff on Indian imports is set to kick in, unless the two sides can strike a deal. The countdown has begun, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both economies.

Stay with us for real-time updates!