'Trade deal soon': US Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick lauds PM Modi, signals optimism

In a high-profile endorsement that underscores the strengthening strategic and economic ties between Washington and New Delhi, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed confidence in a forthcoming trade deal between the two democracies. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum’s Annual Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, Lutnick emphasized the personal rapport between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi, calling it a unique political connection that could pave the way for deeper cooperation.

Lutnick highlights unique leadership bond between Trump and Modi

Delivering his remarks before an audience of global business and policy leaders, Lutnick noted that both leaders command significant democratic mandates, with each elected by the full electorate of their respective countries. “When you think about the world today, how many other national leaders have been elected by their entire country? It’s rare,” Lutnick said. "All that makes the Trump-Modi relationship not only solid but special."

Calls India a respected ally in Trump’s 'America First' framework

In a high-profile endorsement that highlights the deepening strategic and economic relationship between Washington and New Delhi, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed optimism about an imminent trade pact between the two democracies. Addressing the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum's Annual Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, Lutnick highlighted the personal chemistry between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi as a special political relationship that could lay the groundwork for greater cooperation.

Trade talks expected to advance amid strengthening bilateral ties

Making his comments to an audience of international business and policy makers, Lutnick pointed out that each leader has large democratic mandates, both of whom were elected by the entire electorate of their respective nations. "If you consider the state of the world today, how many other leaders of countries have been elected by their entire nation? It is not common," Lutnick said. That makes the Trump-Modi relationship not only firm but also singular.

Secretary also reiterated President Trump's 'America First' policy

According to Lutnick, this powerful bond is already bearing fruit. “We have an excellent relationship between our nations. I’m optimistic for a trade deal soon that will benefit both nations,” he said, signalling the potential breakthrough of a long-anticipated trade agreement that has seen intermittent progress over the past few years. The Secretary also reiterated President Trump's 'America First' policy, explaining its meaning. "The President thinks America first, but he does not think America only or America exclusively," Lutnick stated. "He's determined to make America strong so that we can be able to support our allies  and India is definitely one of them."

Washington thinks India as a strategic partner

He termed India as a country Trump "deeply respects and admires," and said this respect manifests into tangible diplomatic action. "We will have a fantastic, fantastic relationship together," Lutnick confidently stated. The remarks are made amid both countries manoeuvring a complicated global trade landscape characterized by shifting allegiances, supply chain realignments, and common interests in regional security  in the Indo-Pacific region, in particular. With synergies of the economies in technologies, defence, and green energy, a successful trade agreement would hugely support bilateral cooperation. While diplomatic and trade channels continue to be open, Lutnick's comments indicate that Washington considers India not only a trading partner but a strategic partner in the design of the new world order.