The United States views India as a "strategic ally" in the Indo-Pacific region, and a trade agreement between the two nations is expected to be finalized soon, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. During a press briefing on Tuesday (IST), Leavitt confirmed that the Trump administration is in the final stages of preparing the trade agreement. “Yes, the President mentioned last week that the US and India are close to a trade deal, and that remains accurate,” she said. “I recently spoke with the Secretary of Commerce, who discussed the matter with the President in the Oval Office. They are finalizing the deal, and you can expect an announcement from the President and his trade team soon,” she added in response to a question from ANI.

Leavitt also emphasized the close ties between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. When asked about the US stance on China's role in the Indo-Pacific, she reaffirmed, “India is a key strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific, and the President enjoys a strong relationship with Prime Minister Modi, which he intends to maintain.”

Her comments follow President Trump’s recent statement that a major trade deal with India is on the horizon. “Everyone wants to be part of this. Just yesterday, we signed an agreement with China. A significant one with India may be next. We’re looking at fully removing trade barriers and expanding US access to the Indian market,” Trump said. The President also announced that reciprocal tariffs will come into effect on July 9. While several countries have tried to reach trade agreements with the US, only the UK and China have succeeded so far.

Meanwhile, the Indian government appears open to reaching a fair and balanced trade agreement. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told the Financial Express that India is willing to pursue a comprehensive trade pact with the US, provided that the nation’s key concerns—especially those involving farmers and livestock producers—are taken into account.