NEW DELHI– India and the United States are on track to finalize the first tranche of their long-discussed trade deal by November, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said Thursday.
Speaking to reporters in Bihar, Goyal noted that negotiations between the two countries have been progressing steadily and that both sides are pleased with the outcome so far.
“In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump instructed us to finalize a good agreement by November,” Goyal said. “The first part of that agreement, the first tranche, should be concluded by November 2025. Since March, discussions have been moving forward very seriously in a positive environment, and both sides are satisfied with the progress.”
The minister’s comments came a day after Modi and Trump exchanged warm messages on social media, signaling continued political momentum behind the talks.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote that he was “pleased to announce” the negotiations were advancing and expressed optimism about resolving trade barriers between the two countries. “I look forward to speaking with my very good friend Prime Minister Modi in the coming weeks,” he added.
Modi, responding on X (formerly Twitter), described the U.S. as a “close friend and natural partner,” stressing that the trade agreement would help unlock the “limitless potential” of the bilateral relationship. He assured that negotiators on both sides were working toward a swift conclusion.
Trump later reshared Modi’s post, underscoring the friendly tone between the two leaders as talks enter their final phase. (Source: IANS)
