The long-discussed trade deal between India and the United States was not concluded because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not personally speak with then US President Donald Trump, according to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Speaking about the stalled negotiations, Lutnick claimed that the framework of the deal was already in place but required a direct leader-level conversation to move forward.
“I set the deal up. But you had to have Modi call President Trump. They (India) were uncomfortable with it. So, Modi didn’t call,” Lutnick said.
His remarks suggest that diplomatic protocol and political sensitivities, rather than economic disagreements, played a key role in delaying the agreement. The statement has sparked debate, as India has previously maintained that trade talks with the US involve complex issues such as tariffs, market access, and domestic policy priorities.
The India–US trade deal has been under discussion for years, with both sides seeking greater access to each other’s markets. However, differences over tariffs on agricultural products, industrial goods, and digital trade have repeatedly slowed progress.
India has not yet officially responded to Lutnick’s claims. Analysts note that while leader-level engagement can help break deadlocks, trade agreements typically require extensive negotiations at multiple levels before final approval.
The comments come at a time when India and the US continue to explore ways to deepen economic ties, even as both countries reassess trade strategies amid changing global economic and political conditions.
