Washington

The India-US trade deal has been hailed as historic by senior officials on both sides. White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai called it a “victory for all Americans,” noting the significance of the agreement with India, one of the world’s fastest-growing top-five economies with a population exceeding one billion.

In a post on X, Desai wrote, “The Dealmaker in Chief has secured a trade deal with a fast-growing, top five global economy that's home to over one billion people. Another historic victory for American workers, farmers, and industries.”

On the Indian side, Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra welcomed the deal, highlighting the potential for new opportunities for both nations. He described the trade agreement as the start of an “exciting new phase” in bilateral ties between India and the US.

Kwatra tweeted, “A big WIN for a consequential partnership under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. India and USA announce trade deal creating vast new opportunities for the two economies and the people of our two great nations. Today's announcements herald an exciting new phase in our partnership.”

The agreement also positions India more favourably than Pakistan, which faces a new reciprocal tariff rate of 19% under an Executive Order issued by President Trump on July 31, 2025.

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As part of his three-day visit to the US, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Department of State on Tuesday at 3:30 pm (local time). Jaishankar will also participate in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial on February 4 in Washington, where Secretary Rubio will convene international partners to strengthen collaboration on critical mineral supply chains.