US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has made striking remarks on the delay in the India–US trade deal. He claimed that the agreement did not move forward because Prime Minister Narendra Modi refused to speak directly with former US President Donald Trump.
Speaking during discussions on India–US trade relations, Lutnick said policy differences were not the obstacle. Instead, he pointed to the lack of direct communication between the two leaders as the key reason for the delay.
“A Trump-Style Deal,” Says Howard Lutnick
According to Lutnick, trade agreements under Trump often closed after direct leader-level talks. He stated that the India deal could have been finalized if Prime Minister Modi had called Trump.
Lutnick added that the US government expected India to be among the first countries to sign a trade deal. However, the situation changed when direct engagement did not happen.
Comparison With UK Trade Agreement
Highlighting a recent example, Lutnick recalled how the United Kingdom concluded its trade deal. He said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Trump on the same day negotiations ended.
As a result, the deal closed immediately, and both leaders announced it publicly the next day. Lutnick suggested that similar engagement could have helped India as well.
Other Asian Deals Signed, India Missed Out
The US Commerce Secretary noted that Washington successfully signed trade deals with Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Meanwhile, the earlier draft agreement with India now stands withdrawn.
He clarified that the US is currently not considering the previous trade framework with India.
Still a Chance for Revival
Despite the setback, Lutnick said the door is not fully closed. He added that there is still an opportunity for progress if Prime Minister Modi chooses to engage directly.
These comments come amid rising tensions after Trump expressed dissatisfaction over India’s oil imports from Russia and threatened steep tariffs on New Delhi.
The remarks have sparked fresh debate on the future of India–US trade relations and diplomatic engagement at the highest level.
For more latest updates, click here.
