Deal stalled as Modi didn’t call: Lutnick; inaccurate, says Govt
In fresh claims amid the protracted negotiations over the India-US trade deal, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not call US President Donald Trump after the deal was set up in May-July last summer, suggesting this as one reason why the agreement stalled.
According to Lutnick, Indian negotiators subsequently returned to seek closure, but by then Washington wanted different terms and conditions.
The remarks came hours before US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor arrived in India Friday night. “Great to be back in India! Incredible opportunities ahead for our two nations,” Gor posted on X.
He is expected to take charge of the US Embassy Monday.
India faces the highest US tariffs—up to 50 per cent—despite being engaged in negotiations with Washington since February last year. Despite Lutnick’s claims, officials in Delhi maintained that the trade deal is “very much alive.”