India may be first to seal deal under Donald Trump¡¯s trade crackdown ¡ª US pressures nations with tariff threats, 90-day clock ticking

India and the United States are working quickly toward finalising a new trade agreement. Officials from India¡¯s Department of Commerce and the US Trade Representative met in Washington, DC between April 23 and 25, 2025. The meetings were focused on both tariff and non-tariff issues.

The goal is to complete the first phase of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement by Fall 2025. Both sides are also exploring early mutual wins while continuing discussions.

From online to on-ground

So far, many of the expert-level talks between India and the US have taken place virtually. But that¡¯s about to change. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in-person sectoral meetings will begin from the end of May to push negotiations forward.

India could be first to finalise trade deal, says US treasury secretary

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that India is likely to be among the first countries to complete a bilateral trade agreement with the United States.

Speaking to CNBC¡¯s ¡®Squawk Box¡¯, Bessent explained that President Donald Trump¡¯s tariffs are pushing negotiations to move faster. Trump has announced a 10 per cent flat tariff across all imports and paused more severe tariffs for 90 days, allowing time for deals to be made.

Trump¡¯s tariff threat speeds up global negotiations

Bessent stated that India is one of 15 to 18 countries currently in active trade talks with the US. He also mentioned that many countries have already submitted proposals, and the US is reviewing them.

He said, ¡°I would guess that India would be one of the first trade deals we would sign. So watch this space.¡±

US President Donald Trump | Credit: X

Other Asian allies also making progress

Bessent shared that other Asian nations like South Korea and Japan have also made progress. He said Vice President JD Vance was recently in India and saw substantial advancement in the discussions.

This shows that India is not alone in making trade moves¡ªthe US is building agreements across Asia as part of a broader strategy to avoid further trade penalties.

Canada¡¯s new PM hits back at Trump¡¯s trade moves

Mark Carney, Canada¡¯s newly-elected Prime Minister, delivered a sharp message after winning control of Parliament.

Referring to Trump¡¯s tariff threats and annexation moves, Carney said, ¡°We are over the shock of the American betrayal, but we should never forget the lessons.¡± He added that Canada would ¡°win this trade war¡±, but warned of tough days ahead.

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