Tariff talks with India going great, think we'll have a deal, says Donald Trump

President Trump indicated that tariff discussions with India are progressing positively, raising hopes for a potential agreement. Both nations are actively pursuing "early mutual wins" to finalize key aspects of the bilateral trade agreement by the Fall of 2025. Discussions have already commenced, with further in-person sectoral engagements planned for late May to achieve tangible outcomes before the deadline.

NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that tariff talks with India was "going great" and there was a possibility that the two nations have struck a deal. "Talks with India on tariffs were coming along great, and he thinks the two countries will reach a deal," Reuters cited Trump saying. India and the US are working toward securing “early mutual wins” as they push to finalize key components of the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) before the targeted September-October deadline, the government said on Tuesday.

“During the meetings in Washington DC (last week), the team had fruitful discussions on wide ranging subjects covering tariff and non-tariff matters. The team discussed the pathway for concluding the first tranche of the mutually beneficial, multi-sector BTA by Fall of 2025, including through opportunities for early mutual wins . While productive sectoral expert level engagements have taken place through the virtual format, inperson sectoral engagements are planned from May-end,” the commerce department said in a statement.

Further, government sources revealed that the upcoming talks in late May will not mark the beginning of negotiations, as discussions have already been underway. While there has been speculation about an “early tranche” ahead of the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, this is the first official indication that the government is aiming to secure some tangible outcomes before the Fall deadline..