Modi and Trump Discuss Advancing India–US Trade Deal; Goyal Says Negotiations Progressing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation in which they reviewed the progress of India–U.S. bilateral relations and discussed cooperation on trade, technology, energy and defence. Officials described the exchange as constructive, and both leaders affirmed their countries’ commitment to working together for global stability. On the trade front, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said negotiations are progressing well and recalled that several substantive rounds — around five, he noted — have already taken place. Goyal emphasised that negotiations should not be driven by artificial deadlines or pressure, saying a deal is only final when both sides stand to benefit. He also described the recent visit by a new deputy U.S. trade representative — his first to India since taking office — as an opportunity for technical discussions and relationship-building, clarifying that the trip was not itself a negotiating round. Officials indicated ongoing substantive exchanges and repeated rounds of talks, with negotiators working through remaining differences. Both sides said they will continue discussions aimed at a balanced agreement while protecting national interests. The developments were reported by ABP News as officials signalled cautious optimism about the path ahead. More updates will follow during talks.