Trump Says Close To Trade Deal With India

New Delhi has maintained India will accept the deal when it is properly concluded and in the national interest

- AGENCIES

President Donald Trump has said that the US is close to making a trade deal with India, as his administration started sending letters detailing the levies that Washington will impose on products from those countries entering America.

"Now, we've made a deal with the United Kingdom, we've made a deal with China...We're close to making a deal with India," Trump has said.

"Others we met with and we don't think we're going to be able to make a deal, so we just send them a letter. If you want to play ball, this is what you have to pay."

His remarks came as the US extended the suspension of its April 2 reciprocal tariffs until August 1, providing a three-week time for India and the US to resolve their pending issues.

Last week, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India does not enter into any trade agreement based on deadlines and will accept the proposed trade deal with the US only when it is fully finalized, properly concluded and in the national interest.

The high tariffs announced by the US on April 2 were suspended by the Trump administration till July 9.