India-US Trade Deal Talks Near Resolution, Says Jaishankar

India and the United States are making progress in negotiations over a proposed trade agreement, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi on October 13, 2026. He indicated that discussions were moving towards a possible conclusion, although some issues remain unresolved.

Speaking during a conversation with Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait, Jaishankar said officials from both countries were continuing discussions to address outstanding matters. He referred to the involvement of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, saying they were working to resolve the remaining differences.

“My sense is that this is an issue which is heading towards a landing point,” Jaishankar said. However, he declined to reveal specific details of the negotiations, noting that some matters were still being worked out. His remarks suggest progress but do not amount to an official announcement that the agreement has been finalised.

Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of how India’s eventual trade terms compare with agreements the United States reaches with other major economies. He said that not all countries had completed their negotiations with Washington, making the competitive position of each agreement an important consideration. Trade discussions between India and the United States have been aimed at addressing tariff-related differences and improving market access.

The latest comments come as both countries continue efforts to advance their trade relationship after negotiations that began in early 2025. While Jaishankar’s statement points to a possible breakthrough, the final terms, timeline and formal announcement remain uncertain. Until both governments confirm an agreement, the proposed India-US trade deal should be considered under negotiation rather than completed.