Trump wants call with PM Modi before final approval on India-U.S. trade deal

The Hindu

30-07-2025

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi before giving the final nod to the long-anticipated India-U.S. trade agreement, sources familiar with the development told 5WH.
Negotiations for the deal have concluded, with the final draft awaiting Mr. Trump's approval for more than a week. The pact has received endorsements from key officials on both sides — U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, as well as India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
'President Trump has not finalised a single trade deal with a major economy without first speaking directly with the head of state. India is expected to follow the same pattern,' said a source aware of the diplomatic developments related to the trade deals.
Mr. Trump's intent to speak with 'his friend' Mr. Modi has already been conveyed to New Delhi, sources added. Mr. Modi is currently engaged in the Monsoon session of Parliament, and the two governments are coordinating the logistics of a potential call.
'India's a good friend': Trump
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from Europe, President Trump confirmed that the India deal remains pending.
'No, it's not [finalised],' Mr. Trump said in response to a reporter's question.
Pressed further about tariff expectations, Mr. Trump responded, 'We're going to see. But India's been a good friend. Over the years, they've charged higher tariffs than almost any other country. But now I'm in charge, and you just can't do that.'
Mr. Trump signaled he was aware of reports suggesting India may face elevated tariffs — in the range of 20 to 25% — under the new framework. 'Yeah, I think so,' he said.
He reiterated his rapport with Mr. Modi and highlighted his role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of a recent conflict.
'Look, India's been—they're my friends, and he's my friend. They ended the war with Pakistan at my request, and it was great. And Pakistan did also,' Mr. Trump noted.
The final announcement of the trade deal is expected to follow the scheduled conversation between the two leaders.
According to U.S. Trade Representatives, for the calendar year 2024, U.S. goods trade with India amounted to about $129.2 billion, comprising $41.8 billion in U.S. exports and $87.4 billion in imports, resulting in a U.S. goods trade deficit of approximately $45.7 billion with India.