US-India Trade Deal Likely Within Months, Says Top US Official

A long-awaited US-India bilateral trade agreement could be signed within the next three to four months, a senior US official said on Wednesday, indicating that negotiations between Washington and New Delhi have reached an advanced stage. The official said the agreement is largely complete, with only procedural steps and ongoing US trade reviews delaying the final signing.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Manila, the US official said the two countries already have the draft agreement in place. The official stated that “the deal is there” and that the remaining work involves the completion of Washington’s Section 301 trade investigations, which examine alleged unfair trade practices and allow the US to impose tariffs or other measures.

The US and India have been negotiating the trade agreement as part of efforts to strengthen economic ties, improve market access and reduce trade barriers. According to the official, unresolved bilateral issues are not the main reason for the delay, with the completion of US investigations being the key factor before the agreement can move forward.

Also Read: South Korean President To Visit US, Latin America And Germany In Diplomatic Trip

The official said one major Section 301 investigation involving around 60 countries was expected to conclude soon. Once the reviews are completed, progress could accelerate on trade agreements with India and other nations. When asked about the expected timeline, the official indicated that the deal could potentially be concluded in another three to four months.

The trade discussions come amid broader tariff-related developments between the two countries. Washington has proposed tariffs of up to 12.5% on several nations, including India, over concerns related to goods allegedly produced using forced labour. Separately, US President Donald Trump announced that imported generic medicines would remain exempt from tariffs for two years from August 1 before facing higher duties in subsequent years.

The proposed pharmaceutical tariffs could have significant implications for India, one of the world’s largest exporters of generic medicines. The United States is a major market for Indian pharmaceutical companies, accounting for about $9.7 billion, or nearly 38%, of India’s $25.8 billion pharmaceutical exports in 2025. The final trade agreement is expected to address broader economic cooperation between the two countries.

Also Read: US Identifies Soldiers Killed In Iran Attack On Jordan, Including 19-Year-Old