Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Former US President Donald Trump has said that a long-awaited trade deal between the United States and India is “coming soon,” signaling that negotiations between the two major economies may finally be nearing completion. Speaking during a press briefing in South Korea, Trump emphasized his “great respect and love” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing India as a “tremendous partner.”
Breakthrough in Long-Stalled Trade Talks
Trump’s remarks suggest a resolution to several contentious issues that have stalled progress for months, including India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil and the US-imposed 50 per cent ‘reciprocal’ tariff on Indian imports. Reports indicate that the two nations have made headway, with Washington agreeing to reduce tariffs to 16 per cent after India consented to limit Russian crude imports.
The proposed agreement also includes provisions for India to import non-genetically modified (non-GM) American corn and soymeal — a key issue for both sides — and a system to periodically review tariffs and market access. The US continues to pressure India to relax restrictions on importing GM crops, arguing that American corn would be used strictly for ethanol blending and not for human consumption.
India Holds Firm on Farmer Protections
Despite progress, New Delhi remains cautious. The Indian government has maintained that no agreement will be accepted if it harms the livelihoods of millions of small farmers. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently stated that any deal must respect India’s “red lines,” particularly objecting to what he described as the “unfair” 25 per cent penalty imposed for Russian oil imports.
Trump’s Renewed Claim on India-Pakistan Ceasefire
Alongside trade discussions, Trump once again repeated his controversial claim that he brokered the May 10 India-Pakistan ceasefire, a statement India has repeatedly denied. According to Trump, he personally intervened to prevent an escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors, telling reporters, “I called Prime Minister Modi and said, ‘You can’t start a war with Pakistan if we’re doing a trade deal.’”
He went on to describe Modi as “the nicest-looking guy but tough as hell,” adding that both countries “stopped fighting” two days later — a version of events New Delhi has consistently refuted, insisting that Pakistan alone had requested the ceasefire.
