India says US trade deal is moving fast after Rubio signals Trump visit could come early next year

Marco Rubio said the Trump administration is planning for a possible visit by Donald Trump to India early next year and that India and the United States are moving toward finalizing a trade agreement.

The comments came as New Delhi and Washington continue trade negotiations that have intensified in recent days, with both sides trying to make progress before tariff deadlines.

Trade talks pick up

India and the US concluded two days of ministerial-level talks on June 24 on the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement, according to Indian reporting. The talks were described as constructive and forward-looking, with officials working on an interim pact ahead of a July tariff deadline.

A day later, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India would not proceed with the proposed deal unless it secured a comparative tariff advantage for Indian exports.

Rubio's June 27 remarks added a new layer to the negotiations by linking trade progress with the possibility of a Trump visit to India.

What is still unclear

The available reporting does not confirm a formal visit date, and it is not clear whether the trade agreement under discussion is an interim first-phase pact or a broader final deal.

The main unresolved question is whether the talks can produce enough movement on tariff terms for both governments to announce an agreement. Indian and US officials have not yet issued a joint statement confirming Rubio's comments.

The trade push comes amid broader efforts to steady India-US ties after tariff tensions. Rubio has previously framed India as a strategic partner, with cooperation also spanning energy, defense and maritime security.