US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said India and the United States are close to finalising a bilateral trade agreement, describing relations between the two countries as "going fantastic." He said negotiations have entered the final stage and both governments are preparing for a series of high-level diplomatic engagements.

Speaking in Washington DC, Rubio said the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump during the G7 Summit strengthened momentum for deeper economic and strategic cooperation.

Trade Agreement in Final Phase

Rubio said both countries are in the final stages of completing the long-awaited trade pact. “I think it’s going fantastic. I mean, it’s very strong. We had a great meeting with the Prime Minister, and the President did at the G7. And we’re hoping to finalise a trade deal. We’re on the last inches of getting it done, and it’s very positive. We look forward to re-engaging again in another Quad meeting very soon, and I look forward to returning myself before the end of the year and setting up a presidential visit in the early parts of next year," Rubio said. His remarks suggest that only a few issues remain before the agreement is concluded.

Trump Visit to India Planned

Rubio also said both governments are working towards a visit by President Donald Trump to India in early 2027. “We’re hoping that’s what we’re working towards – sometime early next year to have the President come. I think it’s very positive. India is such a close partner and ally of the United States, and the relationship between the Prime Minister and the President couldn’t be closer, which I think is really important in diplomacy," he said. The proposed visit is expected to further strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Modi and Trump Build on Recent Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump met earlier this month on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. After the meeting, Trump praised Modi, calling him a "good-looking guy" and a "tough negotiator." He also described their discussions as "very good" and said he planned to visit India "sometime in the future." The meeting was their first face-to-face interaction since February 2025, when Modi visited Washington following Trump's return to the White House.

Bilateral Challenges Continue

Despite the positive outlook, India-US relations have faced several challenges in recent months. The United States imposed higher tariffs on Indian goods and took measures against India over its continued imports of Russian oil. Relations also came under pressure after three Indian sailors were killed during attacks on commercial vessels involving the US Navy in the Gulf.