US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that the framework for an agreement had already been prepared, but the final step required direct communication between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump. According to him, this outreach never happened, leading to the talks losing momentum. He added that both sides were extremely close to sealing the agreement, but India&rsquo;s position eventually weakened the chances of closure.
Lutnick also pointed out that the United States went on to finalise trade agreements with countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, even though the India deal was expected to be concluded before those negotiations. He noted that India was negotiating at higher tariff levels compared to other partners.
These comments come against the backdrop of rising pressure from Washington. President Trump has recently indicated that tariffs on Indian goods could be increased further if New Delhi does not address concerns related to its continued energy trade with Russia. The US has already imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India since August last year, citing India&rsquo;s purchase of Russian oil.

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States remain uncertain as fresh remarks by a senior aide of US President Donald Trump hav

Trade negotiations between India and the United

States remain uncertain as fresh remarks by a senior aide of US President Donald Trump hav

January 9, 2026 | 11:32 IST

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