External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has signaled that the long-awaited trade agreement between India and the United States may soon be finalized, as both nations appear to be in the advanced stages of negotiations. Speaking at an event in New York, Jaishankar highlighted the complexity of the talks, acknowledging that reaching a deal requires flexibility and compromise on both sides. While noting the progress made, he emphasized the importance of patience in what he described as a very detailed and professional negotiation process.
Jaishankar stated that the two countries are likely well past the halfway point in the negotiation phase and expressed cautious optimism about its outcome. “We are in the middle, hopefully more than the middle, of a very intricate trade negotiation. We do think today that in trade, there will have to be some give and take,” he said, adding that perceptions on both sides play a role in shaping the final agreement. “Just as people in the US have an opinion about India, Indians too have an opinion about the US. There will be some sort of middle ground, we just have to wait and watch the space for the next few days,” he added.
In addition to trade, the conversation also touched upon the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent military response, Operation Sindoor. Jaishankar addressed comments made by former US President Donald Trump, who had suggested that trade negotiations were used as leverage to prevent escalation between India and Pakistan. Jaishankar firmly rejected this notion, clarifying that trade talks and geopolitical tensions were being handled separately by their respective departments.
“No, I don’t think so,” Jaishankar responded when asked if trade was used as a tool to mediate the conflict. “I think the trade people are doing what the trade people should be doing, which is negotiate with numbers and lines and products and do their trade-offs. I think they are very professional and very, very focused about it,” he said.
He went on to describe the United States’ behind-the-scenes involvement in efforts to de-escalate tensions following the attack. He revealed that Vice President JD Vance personally spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the night of May 9, warning of a possible large-scale Pakistani retaliation if certain terms were not accepted. According to Jaishankar, Modi remained resolute and undeterred by the threat, signaling India’s readiness to respond firmly if attacked.
Jaishankar recounted that a significant Pakistani offensive did occur that night, to which India responded swiftly. “And the next morning, Mr Rubio called me up and said the Pakistanis were ready to talk. So I can only tell you from my personal experience what happened. The rest I leave to you,” he said, referring to a call from Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming Pakistan's willingness to open dialogue after India’s firm military stance.
Through his remarks, Jaishankar underlined the progress in India-US relations over the past 25 years, across multiple US administrations. He reflected positively on how both countries have strengthened cooperation on trade, diplomacy, and security matters. His comments also underscored India’s growing confidence on the global stage, both in its bilateral relations and in handling regional conflicts without external pressure influencing strategic decisions.
As trade negotiators from both sides continue discussions behind closed doors, the possibility of a significant breakthrough seems to be growing. However, whether the deal is reached swiftly or continues to face hurdles remains to be seen. For now, Jaishankar's statements serve as a reminder of both the complexities involved in international diplomacy and the evolving dynamic between two of the world’s largest democracies.
