India-US trade deal enters "short strokes" as Modi and Trump to speak soon
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says India-US trade negotiations are in the "short strokes" following constructive talks between Modi and Trump.
The long-awaited bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States has entered its final stretch. According to US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, negotiations are now in the "short strokes"—an American expression signifying the final phase of a complex task. While a definitive announcement is not expected immediately, the momentum appears to be building as both nations work to resolve remaining sticking points.
High-Level Diplomacy: Modi and Trump to reconvene
The recent surge in diplomatic activity follows a "very constructive" phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. The leaders reviewed progress across a wide spectrum of strategic sectors, including trade, defence, energy, and critical technologies.
Greer indicated that the two leaders may communicate again in the near future to assess the current status of the negotiations. "My sense is that the President and the Prime Minister may have another call very soon on this just to assess progress and where we are," Greer told ANI during the 2026 G20 Trade Ministers Meeting in Milwaukee.
Mapping the "Universe of Items"
Despite the optimism, officials are urging patience. While the core issues have been identified, the process of resolving them remains intensive. Greer noted that while nothing is "imminent," both sides have successfully mapped out the "universe of items" that serve as the primary sticking points in the deal.
The discussions also involved Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who met with Greer on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Goyal emphasized that the goal remains to reach an early conclusion for a mutually beneficial interim agreement under the broader India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
The Path to a Balanced Agreement
The journey toward this deal has seen significant milestones and hurdles. In February, both nations announced the framework for the first phase of the BTA. However, shifts in the US tariff landscape have contributed to the prolonged nature of the negotiations.
A critical component for India is ensuring a competitive advantage in the American market. Earlier in September, Minister Goyal suggested that the deal would be ready for execution once India secures a level playing field against major competitors, including China, Bangladesh, and various ASEAN member states.
As staff from both nations continue to meet and negotiate, the focus remains on finalizing an interim deal that aligns with the Joint Statement issued on February 7, 2026, aimed at fostering a balanced economic partnership.