USTR Jamieson Greer told reporters Thursday that the India‑US trade deal is still in the 'short strokes' of negotiation and that the two sides have identified a full set of sticking points that need resolution.
He added that, while a deal is not imminent, the United States and India are working toward an end and that the next high‑level call between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi could happen very soon.
The comments came after Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Greer on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting in Milwaukee, where the pair said they were moving toward an early conclusion of an interim agreement under the Bilateral Trade Agreement.
Goyal, who earlier said the pact was 'done and dusted', reiterated that the interim deal would grant India a competitive edge in the U.S. market, especially against rivals from China, Bangladesh and ASEAN states.
The Modi‑Trump telephone conversation Wednesday touched on trade, defense, energy and critical technologies, but did not signal a breakthrough; the next call, if it happens, will likely set the stage for a potential signing of the interim agreement.
Meanwhile, the United States has adjusted its tariff landscape since the February framework, and India remains keen to finalize the interim agreement in line with the Joint Statement issued on 7 February 2026.