India Responds to US Commerce Secretary's Trade Deal Comments: What's Really Happening?

India Clarifies Trade Deal Status Amid US Remarks

New Delhi: On Friday, India refuted claims made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who suggested that the trade agreement between the two nations was unlikely to progress due to a lack of communication from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Donald Trump.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, emphasized that India and the US have engaged in extensive discussions regarding the trade deal, reaffirming India's dedication to finalizing it.

"We acknowledge the comments made. India and the US have been committed to negotiating a bilateral trade agreement since February 13 of last year," he stated.

He further noted that numerous negotiation rounds have taken place to establish a fair and mutually advantageous trade agreement.

"We have come close to finalizing a deal on several occasions. The portrayal of these discussions in the recent remarks is not accurate," Jaiswal remarked during his weekly media briefing.

He was addressing inquiries regarding Lutnick's statements.

"We are keen on achieving a mutually beneficial trade agreement between our complementary economies and are eager to conclude it," Jaiswal added.

"Additionally, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump have had eight phone conversations in 2025, discussing various aspects of our extensive partnership," he concluded.