Trump Says India-U.S. Trade Deal 'Very Close,' Calls Modi 'Tough'

Bloomberg reports that U.S. President Donald Trump has described a trade deal with India as 'very close', praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'tough' negotiator during trade talks. The statement signals meaningful progress in bilateral negotiations that have been ongoing since Trump re-imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods as part of his broad reciprocal tariff regime earlier in 2025.

India and the United States are among the world's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $190 billion annually. Negotiations have centred on reducing tariffs on American agricultural and industrial goods entering India, while securing lower U.S. duties on Indian exports in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, gems and jewellery, and information technology.

A finalised deal would be one of the most consequential trade agreements India has signed in decades, potentially reshaping supply chains and export prospects for Indian manufacturers. For everyday Indians, the deal's outcome could influence prices of imported electronics and consumer goods, as well as the job security of workers in export-oriented industries.