Tue Jul 08 09:08:24 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

India and the United States are nearing a potential trade deal to avoid increased tariffs on Indian imports. While the U.S. is implementing tariffs on countries that received letters from President Trump with an August 1st deadline, India believes it is still operating under the original July 8th deadline due to not receiving such a letter. Though a deal could be announced soon, India is prepared to reject it if the terms are unfavorable. The major sticking points remain U.S. demands for India to import genetically-modified crops and cow milk, which India has resisted.

**News Article:**

**India, US Race Against Clock to Strike Trade Deal Amid Tariff Threat**

**New Delhi, July 8, 2025** – India and the United States are in a final push to reach a trade agreement before the original July 8th deadline, as new tariffs on Indian imports loom. While the U.S. is imposing tariffs on countries sent official letters, with an effective date of August 1st, Indian government sources indicate India has not received such a letter and believes it is still operating under the original deadline.

“We are working to finalize the deal, so the July 8-9 deadline is still what we are operating under,” a government official told The Hindu.

President Trump also stated yesterday that the U.S. was “close to making a deal with India,” raising hopes for a swift resolution. A “mini deal” could be announced within days, according to sources.

However, India is prepared to walk away from the table if the terms are not favorable. “If the deal specifics do not suit us,” one official cautioned, “India could use the expanded August 1 window.”

The primary hurdles remaining involve U.S. demands for India to import genetically-modified (GM) crops, such as soybean meal and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) for animal feed, as well as cow milk. India has traditionally resisted importing these products.

Negotiations have intensified, with teams from both countries making multiple trips to each other’s capitals in recent months. An Indian team, led by Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, recently returned from the U.S., leaving India’s final proposal on the table. The decision now rests with the U.S. whether to accept the deal or face the imposition of higher tariffs on Indian imports.

If no deal is reached by the deadline, tariffs on Indian imports would revert to the previous system, potentially increasing by as much as 26%. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for trade relations between the two countries.

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