The North News
New Delhi, June 3
A senior US official has indicated that a trade agreement between India and the United States could be on the horizon, with both sides pushing for expanded market access and reduced deficits. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum’s Annual Leadership Summit in US, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed optimism about the future of bilateral trade. “Expect a deal in the not-too-distant future,” Lutnick said, emphasising India’s economic momentum and what he described as the “drive and ambition” of its core population.
Lutnick highlighted the strategic importance of deepening economic ties, noting that the US was keen to gain greater market access to India. “India is trying hard,” he said, adding that Washington wants to see the trade deficit between the two countries come down.
“I spoke at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Annual Leadership Summit tonight. We have a great relationship between our countries. I’m optimistic for a trade deal soon that will benefit both nations,” Lutnick posted after the event.
He also sought to reassure Indian stakeholders about the White House’s broader trade philosophy under President Donald Trump. “President Trump thinks ‘America First,’ but he does not think ‘America only’ or ‘America exclusively’. He will first take care of home, so that we are big and strong—but then he is going to take care of his allies.”
Lutnick said Trump “deeply admires and respects” India, and promised that the US would ensure the relationship continues to flourish. “We are going to have a great, great relationship together,” he said. The commerce secretary also reiterated the US’s intention to revitalise its own manufacturing sector but said there were “an enormous number of product categories” that the US would be “delighted for India to produce.”
