Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jun 27: US President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of signing a major trade agreement with India soon, following the finalisation of a recent trade deal with China. Speaking at an event in Washington DC, Trump stated, “We just signed with China yesterday. We have one coming up, maybe with India — a very big one. We are going to open up India.”

The remarks come at a crucial time, with the US-imposed reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods set to resume after a 90-day suspension ends on July 9. Washington had earlier levied 26% tariffs on a range of Indian exports, giving both sides a temporary window to resolve trade differences.

Trump, while addressing the audience, emphasized that trade deals will not be made with just any country. “Some we are just going to send a letter to — thank you, you will pay 25, 35, or 45 per cent. That is easier. But my team wants to make deals,” he said.

US trade negotiators had visited India earlier this month to push forward discussions. According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, a reminder was sent to all US trade partners about the approaching tariff deadline. The message: submit your best offers before time runs out.

Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick also underscored Washington’s interest in boosting exports to India as part of a broader plan to narrow the trade deficit and bring back advanced manufacturing.

On the Indian side, officials have acknowledged that increasing imports of US oil and defence equipment aligns with the country’s strategic interests. With India’s oil dependency hitting 90% in April 2025, and refining capacity on the rise, sourcing from the US could also help balance the trade gap.