Archive · 10 Aug 2025
Trump's Frustration: India Trade Deal Stalls
The US and India have been trying to make a trade deal for a while.
Trump was upset because the deal wasn't happening quickly enough.
They almost agreed on a deal in 2019, but it fell apart.
The main issue was that India didn't want to open up its markets to certain US agricultural products, which frustrated the US team.
This is despite Trump's desire to make a deal, particularly to secure votes from key US farming areas.
As such, progress is currently stalled.
Trump was reportedly infuriated with India's slow progress in trade deal negotiations.
Talks for a trade deal between the US and India began during Trump's first presidency.
A deal was almost agreed upon in 2019 after a meeting between Trump and Modi in Texas, but fell apart.
India's stance on agricultural and dairy products became a sticking point in negotiations.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed frustration with India's unwillingness to negotiate on agricultural imports.
- Who
- Donald Trump, PM Modi, Howard Lutnick, and trade officials from both countries.
- What
- Stalled trade negotiations between the US and India.
- When
- Negotiations have been ongoing since Trump's first term in office, with a significant breakdown in 2019.
- Where
- Negotiations primarily between the US and India, with meetings in the US and India.
- Why
- The US aims to secure a trade deal with favorable terms, but negotiations are hindered by disagreements on agricultural and dairy product imports.
US Perspective
India's Perspective
Fair Trade
US Perspective
The US seeks fair market access and negotiation flexibility.
India's Perspective
India's unwillingness to negotiate specific sectors is the primary blocker.
- Key Negotiators
- Trump, Modi, Lutnick
- Sticking Point
- Agricultural and dairy product imports
- Key Meeting
- Texas 2019
- US Stance
- Desire for market access on agricultural goods
- India Stance
- Protectionist stance on certain imports
