MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a briefing on Friday, regarding a trade deal between India and the United States, informed that New Delhi remains interested in a mutually beneficial trade deal between the two nations and also stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have spoken on eight occasions in regard to the India-US trade deal. 

Regarding the remarks of the US Commerce Secretary on the India-US trade deal, MEA stated that on several occasions, we were close to a deal and also added that the characterisation of the discussions in the reported remarks was not accurate. 

Jaiswal said, “We have seen the remarks. India and the United States were committed to negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with the US as far back as 13th of February last year. That is, since then, the two sides have held multiple rounds of negotiations to reach a balanced, mutually beneficial trade agreement. On several occasions, we have been close to a deal. The characterisation of these discussions, the reported remarks, is not accurate. We remain interested in a mutually beneficial trade deal between two complementary economies, and look forward to concluding it. Incidentally, Prime Minister and President Trump have also spoken on the phone on eight occasions in 2025, covering various aspects of our wide-ranging. work. work. Incidentally, Prime Minister and President Trump have also spoken on the phone on eight occasions during 2025, covering different aspects of our wide-ranging partnership.”