Wed Oct 29 07:03:25 UTC 2025: US and India Poised to Sign Long-Awaited Trade Deal
Seoul, South Korea – The United States and India are on the verge of finalizing a trade agreement, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday during his Asia tour. While the deal has been months in the making, plagued by disagreements over Russian oil purchases, tariffs, and access to India’s agricultural markets, Trump’s statement suggests a breakthrough is imminent.
Progress was reportedly made after a phone call between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, potentially involving a reduction in US tariffs in exchange for India scaling back its Russian oil imports. A key sticking point has been the US demand for access to India’s dairy and agriculture markets, politically sensitive areas for the Indian government. Compromises may include increased imports of American corn and soymeal, vital for India’s growing ethanol production and livestock feed, respectively.
Despite past claims, the Indian government has maintained that any deal must protect the livelihoods of its farmers and address concerns about unfair penalties on its Russian oil purchases.
Trump also reiterated his claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a claim repeatedly denied by New Delhi. He credited his intervention with preventing a potential “nuclear war,” stating he withheld trade deals with both nations until they agreed to a truce. The US President also praised Modi, calling him “the nicest-looking guy” but also “tough as hell.”
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