Donald Trump says US‑India trade deal imminent, calls Modi ‘good friend’

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that the United States and India are close to finalising a bilateral trade agreement, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “good friend” and saying, “We will get to a deal.” He recalled that India had historically imposed high tariffs on American goods – citing a 200 percent duty on Harley‑Davidson motorcycles – and argued that the situation had now reversed, with the United States “making a lot of money with India.”

Negotiations have continued through a series of meetings, including a four‑day delegation visit to New Delhi and a USTR team’s talks from June 1‑4. Indian officials, including Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor, said the talks were “99 percent complete,” focusing on customs procedures, non‑tariff barriers and trade‑facilitation.

The talks occur alongside a U.S. review of tariffs on 60 economies, including India, over alleged forced‑labour imports. Under Section 301, the United States may impose an additional 10 percent duty or up to 12.5 percent on goods from countries deemed non‑compliant. The tariff issue remains a potential sticking point as both sides work toward an interim Bilateral Trade Agreement and a broader pact.