India and US Committed to Sealing Trade Deal Soon, Says Jaishankar:

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Friday that India and the United States are focused on finalizing a trade deal and that talks are progressing with significant urgency. Speaking at the Carnegie Global Tech Summit 2025 in New Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted India’s proactive role in pushing the negotiations forward.

While India aims to fast-track the discussions, the US side, particularly under the Trump administration, appears to be moving at a slower pace. Still, the minister expressed optimism that both countries could reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Trade Fix Possible, Says Jaishankar

Jaishankar's remarks follow US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to implement a 90-day suspension on reciprocal tariffs affecting all nations except China. He noted that a conceptual agreement for a bilateral trade pact had been reached shortly after the new US administration took office.

“Within a month of the new administration taking charge, we had a mutual understanding to pursue a bilateral trade agreement. The goal is to find a solution that works for both sides, and we are not letting this drag on indefinitely,” he said.

India Urges Swift Action on Trade Talks

Reflecting on previous negotiations under the earlier Trump term, Jaishankar acknowledged that a deal was never finalized. However, he emphasized a renewed sense of urgency from India this time around.

“Our teams are highly motivated. In the past, India was often seen as the one slowing things down. Today, the situation has reversed — we are urging the US to keep up the pace across all aspects of the negotiation,” he added.

First Phase of Trade Agreement Targeted by Autumn 2025

According to a government source speaking to Reuters, India intends to finalize the initial phase of the trade deal by autumn 2025. This follows President Trump's decision to suspend high reciprocal tariffs temporarily. Both nations are aiming to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion by the year 2030.