By Ayomide Otitoju
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has expressed confidence that a trade agreement between the United States and India will be reached soon, potentially averting tariffs proposed by former President Donald Trump.
Speaking at the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum on Monday, Lutnick said, “You should expect a deal between the United States and India in the not-too-distant future,” describing himself as “very optimistic.”
Trump had set a July 9 deadline for trade partners to address imbalances or face sweeping tariffs aimed at rectifying what he described as unfair global trade practices.
While Lutnick affirmed his admiration for India, he reiterated U.S. concerns over India’s high tariff regime. “Bringing them down to a level that is reasonable and appropriate so we can be great trading partners is absolutely on the table,” he stated.
Lutnick also cited India’s reliance on Russian military imports as a longstanding point of contention but praised recent efforts by the Indian government to address such issues directly with Washington.
