Washington: In a bold announcement following a newly signed trade pact with China, US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism over securing what he called a “very large” trade agreement with India. Speaking at the White House’s “Big Beautiful Event” on Thursday morning, Trump said the United States is “going to be opening up India,” signaling growing momentum toward a long-anticipated bilateral trade deal between the world’s two largest democracies.
The president described the potential deal as “very important” and hinted that negotiations were nearing a breakthrough. “Everyone wants to come to an agreement and be part of the transaction,” Trump said. “We’re starting to open China as we’re opening India under the terms of the China accord.”
A high-level Indian delegation, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal, is currently in Washington to resolve outstanding issues in the draft deal. The team is working closely with US trade officials to finalize a mutually beneficial agreement ahead of the July 8 deadline for reciprocal tariff negotiations.
Earlier this month, US trade representatives visited New Delhi to continue talks. The White House has reportedly urged all trade partners to present their final offers for private negotiations. “The USTR sent a letter reminding partners that deadlines are approaching,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, confirming the correspondence.
US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick also expressed optimism, stating that both nations “have found the right place that can work” and emphasized the US goal to boost exports to India. He noted that strengthening trade ties could help reduce the existing imbalance while promoting innovation in manufacturing and technology exchange.
If finalized, the deal could mark a major turning point in US-India economic relations, potentially opening new avenues for cooperation in energy, technology, agriculture, and defense industries.
