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COVER STORY JULY 04, 2025 | The Indian Eye 4

INDIA-US TRADE DEAL

HIGH STAKES,

HIGHER HOPES

As the July 9 deadline looms, India and the US are
racing against time to clinch a sweeping trade deal that could redefine

economic ties between the two strategic partners.

OUR BUREAU
Washington, DC / New Delhi
ith just days remaining be-
fore the expiry of a critical
W90-day tariff truce, India
and the United States are engaged in
an intense final push to seal a long-an-
ticipated bilateral trade agreement.
The stakes are high. The deal, de-
scribed as “very big” by US President
Donald Trump, could significantly
deepen the already robust economic
partnership between the world’s larg-
est democracies.
But a complex blend of politics,
protectionism, and national priorities
continues to shape the contours of
the agreement.

The prospect of a breakthrough
in trade relations was set in
motion earlier this year when

Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and President Trump agreed to
pursue a bilateral trade agree-
ment. Though initially projected U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at a “great deal” soon (Reuters/ANI)

for the fall of 2025, the momen-
Speaking at a recent public event sentiment, calling the current negoti- genetically modified (GMO) crops
tum has accelerated following in Washington, Trump signaled opti- ations “very promising” and suggest- are concerned.
“India is unwilling to compro-
the imposition of reciprocal mism: “We have one coming up, may- ing that the countries have “found a mise on GMO crops or provide
place that really works for both.”
be with India. Very big one. Where
tariffs by the US in April. In re- we’re going to open up India.” The Yet, despite positive rhetoric broad-based access for US agricul-
sponse, Trump offered a 90-day statement aligns with broader US ef- from Washington, New Delhi re- tural and dairy products,” said a se-
forts to balance global trade deficits
mains cautious. India’s delegation,
nior government official. Concerns
suspension to provide negotia- and create more access for American led by Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agar- over food security, environmental
tors breathing room. That win- goods in large consumer markets like wal, has made clear that national in- sustainability, and the livelihoods of
terests are non-negotiable. Sensitive
India.
Indian farmers have driven India’s
dow is now closing. US Secretary of Commerce sectors like agriculture and dairy re- negotiating posture.
Howard Lutnick has reinforced that main off the table, especially where Continued on next page... >>
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