The USTR further indicated that Trump and PM Modi could speak again soon to review the progress in negotiations.
United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer said the US and India are in the “short strokes” of finalising a trade deal, but cautioned that an agreement is not imminent.
Responding to a question on the US-India trade deal, Greer said discussions with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had been constructive and that both sides were continuing to work towards resolving the remaining issues.
“We had a very constructive conversation with Minister Piyush Goyal,” Greer said.
He added that the US and India had identified the key sticking points and were working to resolve them.
“We are continually trying to finish the trade deal with India; we are in the short strokes. I think we are towards the end of it,” Greer said.
Greer also said US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a “constructive” phone call the previous morning. He, however, clarified that there was no immediate agreement expected.
“At the same time, I don’t think there is something imminent. But we truly have identified the universe of items that are sticking points, and we are working diligently toward them,” he said.
#WATCH | Milwaukee, US | Responding to ANI’s question on US-India trade deal, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer says, “We had a very constructive conversation with Minister Piyush Goyal… We are continually trying to finish the trade deal with India, we are in the short strokes. I think we are towards the end of it. President Trump and the Prime Minister Modi had a constructive call yesterday morning. At the same time, I don’t think there is something imminent. But we truly have identified the universe of items that are sticking points, and we are working diligently toward them. The President and the Prime Minister may have another call very soon on this just to assess progress and where we are.”
— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2026
The USTR further indicated that Trump and PM Modi could speak again soon to review the progress in negotiations. “The President and the Prime Minister may have another call very soon on this just to assess progress and where we are,” Greer said.
PM Modi, Trump Agree To Continue Engagement
PM Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke over the phone on Wednesday and agreed to continue close engagement aimed at strengthening the India-US strategic partnership, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
During the conversation, the two leaders discussed cooperation across key areas, including trade, defence, energy and critical technologies.
“The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and agreed to maintain close engagement to deepen cooperation,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The phone call came as Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is in the US for talks on the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement and a possible interim arrangement. Goyal is visiting the country from September 29 to October 5.