Donald Trump hints at a ‘very big’ trade deal with India

After forging ahead with a trade deal with China, US President Donald Trump said that India could be next in line for a major economic agreement. Speaking to reporters after the China pact was finalised, Trump suggested that a “very big” trade deal with India would be announced soon.

“We just signed a deal with China,” the former US President said. “Next could be India – and it’s going to be a very big one.”

Though he didn’t disclose the details, Trump’s statement is being viewed widely as a signal of his continued interest in strengthening US-India trade ties, a pet subject that marked much of his first term. Talks between New Delhi and Washington on a comprehensive trade pact had stalled in recent years over tariff disputes, digital trade regulations and market access issues, but Trump’s latest remarks suggest a renewed push.

The remarks come amid growing economic cooperation between the two countries. India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has also signalled openness to a more expansive trade engagement, particularly in sectors like defence, energy and technology.

There has been no official confirmation from the Indian side so far, but analysts believe the groundwork for a deal may already be underway. Meanwhile, Trump also emphasised that he approaches trade deals selectively. “We’re not going to make deals with everybody… Some, we’ll just send a letter saying, ‘Thank you very much … you’ll be paying 25, 35, even 45 per cent.’ That’s the easy way to handle it. My team prefers that approach in some cases, but they’re also more inclined to make deals than I am.”

ChinaDonald TrumpGeoeconomicsIndia-US relationsNarendra Moditrade deal