Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said that discussions on a potential trade deal between India and the United States were progressing in a positive and cordial atmosphere but refused to set any timeline for its conclusion.
Responding to a question on US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s high tariffs on imports from India and when &ldquo;good news&rdquo; could be expected, Goyal said that no trade agreement is ever bound by deadlines.
&ldquo;I believe the talks are progressing very cordially. I have said many times that free trade agreements or trade discussions are never based on deadlines. There can be no agreement until we fully address the interests of our nation&mdash;India&rsquo;s farmers, fishermen, and MSME sector. The talks are moving forward well, and once a decision is reached, we will definitely inform you,&rdquo; ANI quoted Goyal as saying.
The Tariff Issue
Trump&rsquo;s administration has imposed a 50% tariff on imports from India&mdash;among the highest in the world. 
This includes a 25% base tariff, which Trump attributed to a so-called &ldquo;trade imbalance,&rdquo; and another 25% penalty tariff linked to India&rsquo;s purchase of Russian oil amid Moscow&rsquo;s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Changing Geopolitical Landscape
The tone from Washington has shifted notably since Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on China, following Beijing&rsquo;s decision to increase export controls on rare earth materials&mdash;critical for global manufacturing.
According to an assessment by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), this realignment could actually speed up a trade deal with India, with the US possibly offering 16&ndash;18% tariff access, higher than that offered to the EU (15%) and Japan (15%), though still below Vietnam&rsquo;s 20%.
The report also noted that Trump&rsquo;s harsh stance toward India was driven by more than trade concerns. 
His frustration reportedly stemmed from Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s refusal to endorse Trump&rsquo;s claim that his tariff threats helped force a ceasefire with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India&rsquo;s military action against terror bases in May.
Despite Trump frequently describing Modi as a &ldquo;great personal friend,&rdquo; the Indian government has maintained a measured response to his unpredictable comments.
A Push for Progress
Now, however, GTRI analysts suggest that a trade deal could progress faster, given Washington&rsquo;s renewed interest in building stronger alliances amid rising tensions with China.
An Indian delegation is currently in the US for the sixth round of trade talks, which began in April but were briefly paused in August due to diplomatic friction.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently named India as a key ally in the emerging &ldquo;China versus the world&rdquo; competition over rare earth minerals, which are essential for the automotive, electronics, and defence sectors.&nbsp;
Nearly 80% of these minerals are currently controlled by China.
India&rsquo;s Red Lines
While optimism surrounds the negotiations, GTRI cautioned India to protect its strategic interests.
&ldquo;India must hold firm on its red lines in agriculture, digital trade, e-commerce, and intellectual property, and avoid any anti-China clauses that may limit its strategic autonomy,&rdquo; the report stated.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has also reiterated these red lines in multiple forums.&nbsp;
Experts believe that the US will continue to push for greater market access in areas such as medical devices, dairy, and technology services.
Diplomatic Engagements
Recent developments indicate stronger diplomatic engagement between the two sides. 
Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor was in India recently, meeting senior officials and Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;
Gor presented Modi with a signed photograph from Donald Trump, featuring a handwritten note that read: &ldquo;Mr. Prime Minister, you are great.&rdquo;
Government sources told ANI that India&rsquo;s negotiating team is actively exploring a win-win solution.
&ldquo;The discussions are deep and constructive. Our exports to the US have grown, and nearly 45% of Indian exports already face no tariffs, which is a positive sign,&rdquo; officials said.
As talks continue, both nations appear eager to craft a deal that strengthens economic cooperation while addressing each other&rsquo;s strategic and political priorities.

Piyush Goyal addresses media on trade negotiations

Commerce minister says India-US trade talks are progressing well, but no deadline set yet

Piyush Goyal On India-US Trade Deal Talks

Commerce minister says India-US trade talks are progressing well, but no deadline set yet

October 18, 2025 | 17:40 IST