Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that the first tranche of the India-US trade deal is expected to be finalised by November.
He noted that discussions between the two countries are progressing in a positive direction and that both sides are satisfied with the outcomes so far.
Speaking to reporters in poll-bound Bihar, Goyal recalled that in February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had instructed their ministers to work on the pact and ensure that the first tranche is ready by November this year.
“In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump together instructed us that the ministers of both sides should conclude a good agreement by November,” Goyal said. “The first part of that agreement, the first tranche, should be finalised by November 2025. Since March, discussions have been going on very seriously, in a positive environment, and progress has been made. Both sides are satisfied with the progress.”
Goyal’s remarks came a day after PM Modi and President Trump exchanged friendly messages on social media.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said he was pleased with the ongoing negotiations and confident that both nations would reach a successful conclusion. “I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between our two nations,” Trump posted. He added that he looked forward to speaking with his “very good friend” Prime Minister Modi in the coming weeks.
Responding on X, PM Modi described the US as a close friend and a natural partner. He said the talks would help unlock the “limitless potential” of the India-US partnership and assured that both teams were working to conclude discussions quickly.
Trump later reshared PM Modi’s post, underlining the positive tone between the two leaders.
-IANS