Tue Jun 03 01:29:34 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that a U.S.-India trade deal is likely to happen soon, citing progress in finding common ground. He made the announcement at the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) in Washington. The USISPF also presented Global Leadership Awards to executives from IBM, Aditya Birla Group, and Hitachi for strengthening the U.S.-India-Japan economic partnership. This year marks the first time business leaders from the QUAD countries (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.) are being recognized.
**News Article:**
**U.S. Commerce Secretary Predicts Imminent Trade Deal with India**
**Washington D.C. – June 3, 2025:** A trade agreement between the United States and India could be finalized in the “not too distant future,” according to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Speaking at the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) in Washington on Sunday, June 1, 2025, Lutnick expressed optimism, stating, “You should expect a deal between the United States and India in the not too distant future because I think we found a place that really works for both countries.” He credited effective collaboration and the right personnel on both sides of the negotiation table for the progress.
The USISPF also recognized the contributions of business leaders in strengthening the U.S.-India-Japan economic partnership by presenting the 2025 Global Leadership Awards to IBM Chairman Arvind Krishna, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, and Hitachi Executive Chairman Toshiaki Higashihara. This year marks a significant milestone as it is the first time business leaders from all four countries comprising the QUAD grouping (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.) have been honored at the USISPF summit. The potential trade deal signifies a strengthening of economic ties between the U.S. and India.
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