Is India Still Committed to a Trade Deal with the U.S. Despite Lutnick's Remarks?
Synopsis
The MEA has refuted claims made by U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick regarding stalled trade negotiations between India and the U.S. The ministry affirmed India's ongoing interest in reaching a beneficial trade agreement, with multiple negotiations already conducted. As the U.S. moves forward with other deals, India emphasizes its commitment to finalizing the trade pact.
Key Takeaways
MEA rejects U.S. claims regarding stalled trade negotiations.
India remains committed to reaching a beneficial trade deal.
Multiple rounds of negotiations have taken place since February 2022.
PM Modi and President Trump have communicated frequently.
The U.S. has pursued other trade agreements while waiting on India.
New Delhi, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday dismissed the remarks made by U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick that the India-U.S. trade negotiations have come to a halt because Prime Minister Narendra Modi "didn’t call" President Donald Trump.
“The depiction of these discussions in the stated comments is not correct,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed.
“India continues to seek a mutually beneficial trade deal between two complementary economies and is eager to finalize it,” he added.
Lutnick claimed on Thursday that the trade agreement faltered after Trump did not receive a call from PM Modi regarding the matter, stating that Washington has since pursued other agreements.
Jaiswal noted: "We have acknowledged the comments. Both India and the United States have been dedicated to negotiating a bilateral trade agreement since February 13 last year. Since then, multiple rounds of negotiations have taken place to develop a balanced, mutually advantageous trade agreement."
He further mentioned that on numerous occasions, both nations were close to reaching a deal.
“Additionally, the Prime Minister and President Trump have communicated over the phone eight times in 2025, discussing various facets of our extensive partnership,” Jaiswal added.
The U.S. Commerce Secretary claimed he urged Prime Minister Modi to reach out to the President to finalize the deal. However, he stated that India felt "uncomfortable doing so, which is why Mr. Modi did not call".
Lutnick also mentioned that the U.S. secured trade agreements with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, but had anticipated completing the deal with India before these.
“We finalized deals with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and announced a plethora of agreements. We did this assuming India would finalize its deal first. I negotiated at a higher rate. Now, the challenge is that these deals emerged at a higher rate. Then India calls back and says, 'Oh, okay, we are ready.' I responded, 'Ready for what?'”
Point of View
It's crucial to emphasize that while political narratives may shift, the commitment to forge a trade deal between India and the United States remains unwavering. The MEA's response highlights India's proactive stance in pursuing economic partnerships, and it reflects a broader strategy of engagement that benefits both nations.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick say about India-U.S. trade negotiations?
Lutnick stated that the trade negotiations have stalled because Prime Minister Modi did not call President Trump regarding the deal.
How did the MEA respond to Lutnick's comments?
The MEA rejected Lutnick's characterization, asserting that India is still interested in a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
How many times have Modi and Trump communicated?
According to MEA, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump have spoken over the phone eight times in 2025.
What other agreements has the U.S. made recently?
The U.S. has secured trade agreements with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
What is the significance of these negotiations?
These negotiations are crucial for enhancing economic ties between India and the U.S., impacting trade dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.
