President Trump says a major US-India Trade Deal is “pretty close,” aiming to double trade to $500 billion by 2030 after months of tariff tensions.
Trump Says US-India Trade Deal Is Close: “Right now they don’t love me, but they’ll love us again”
TheInterviewTimes.com | Washington, DC – November 11, 2025: President Donald Trump said on Monday that a major US-India Trade Deal is “pretty close,” expressing optimism that a breakthrough is imminent after months of tariff tensions between the two nations.
US-India Trade Deal: Key Points
- President Trump said a US-India Trade Deal is “pretty close,” signaling progress after tariff disputes.
- The proposed deal aims to double bilateral trade from $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030.
- Tariff tensions arose over India’s discounted Russian oil purchases and U.S. duties of 25–50% on Indian goods.
- Both nations see opportunities in energy, agriculture, defense, and critical minerals.
- Officials expect a first-phase agreement soon, restoring economic ties.
Trump Optimistic About New US-India Trade Deal
Speaking at the Oval Office during the swearing-in of Sergio Gor as the new U.S. Ambassador to India, Trump remarked with a grin:
“We’re making a deal with India, a much different deal than we had in the past. So right now, they don’t love me, but they’ll love us again.”
The comment reflected both candor and confidence, acknowledging the diplomatic friction caused by American tariffs earlier this year. The U.S. had imposed 25–50% tariffs on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s ongoing purchase of discounted Russian crude oil despite global sanctions pressure.
However, Trump emphasized that Washington seeks fairness, not confrontation. “We’re getting a fair deal, just a fair trade deal… Yes, at some point we’ll be bringing the tariffs down,” he said.
President Trump Participates in a Swearing-in Ceremony for the Ambassador to the Republic of India https://t.co/cycSlDY0NG
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 10, 2025
Strategic Partnership and Shared Growth
Trump called India a “vital strategic partner” and praised its fastest-growing middle class, reiterating his close working relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We have a fantastic relationship with India and with the prime minister,” he added.
The proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement, initiated in February 2025, aims to double two-way trade from the current $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030. The focus sectors include:
- Increased U.S. energy exports to India.
- Easier market access for American agricultural and dairy products.
- Enhanced cooperation in defense, critical minerals, and technology.
US-India Trade Deal: Negotiations Near Final Stage
Negotiators have held five rounds of in-person discussions since March and a virtual meeting on October 23.
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently noted that talks are “going on very well” despite differences over agriculture, dairy, and the protection of small farmers and fishermen.
While no official signing date has been disclosed, senior officials from both sides describe the atmosphere as “positive and forward-looking.” Sources suggest that a first-phase agreement could be announced within weeks.
US-India Trade Deal: A Reset in Economic Ties
If finalized soon, the US-India Trade Deal could mark a major reset in bilateral economic relations. It would provide relief to Indian exporters impacted by high U.S. tariffs and open up new investment opportunities for American businesses across India’s expanding consumer and technology markets.
Economists say the move could strengthen not just economic cooperation but also strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific — an area where both Washington and New Delhi share growing security interests.