The North News
New Delhi, January 9
A senior member of US President Donald Trump’s team has claimed that a proposed trade agreement between India and the United States failed to materialise because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not personally speak to the American president. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said he had “set a deal up” with India, but it could not be finalised without a direct call between the two leaders.
“You gotta have Modi call the President. It’s his deal,” Lutnick said during a media interaction, adding that Indian officials appeared “uncomfortable” making the call. According to Lutnick, India was expected to conclude the agreement ahead of other countries, including Indonesia. However, he said the opportunity had passed.
“The train left the station three weeks ago,” he remarked, suggesting that the window for finalising the deal had closed.
