Tech Desk: The long-anticipated India-US Trade Deal is on the cusp of finalization, with top officials signaling negotiations are in their “short strokes”—the concluding phase. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump recently held a constructive telephone conversation, and another review call between the leaders is expected soon to assess the remaining progress, hinting at an imminent breakthrough.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed significant strides have been made, while India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described his recent meeting with Greer as highly productive. From India’s perspective, the agreement is largely “done and dusted,” with the focus now shifting to securing a competitive edge for Indian exporters in the American market against rivals like China, Bangladesh, and ASEAN economies.

Despite the positive momentum, US officials caution against immediate announcements, emphasizing the diligent work required to bridge the last outstanding differences. The initial framework, announced in February 2026, outlined tariff reductions and market access, but subsequent changes in the US tariff environment necessitated revisiting several elements, extending the negotiation timeline.

This intensified engagement underscores the strategic importance of strengthening the broader India-US partnership, encompassing defense, energy, and critical technologies. With political will at the highest levels and a clearly defined list of unresolved issues, a landmark trade agreement appears closer than ever, promising to redefine the economic relationship between these two global powers.