Top Trump aide Kevin Hassett – Firstpost

The United States and India are close to striking a long-discussed trade deal, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett has indicated, injecting renewed optimism after months of complex negotiations.

in an interview with cnbcHassett stressed the strong ties between Washington and New Delhi, saying a trade and tariff agreement between the two countries is “near the finish line.” He acknowledged the difficulties involved, saying, “We are good friends and we hope to resolve this soon.”

Hassett said the talks have been “quite complicated” in part because of India’s engagements with Russia, adding that a number of factors were influencing the discussions. He said that despite these obstacles, he is hopeful of sealing the agreement.

His comments come after President Donald Trump’s recent statement that the US is getting “very close” to a deal with India, adding that he planned to reduce tariff rates on Indian goods “at some point”.

There have been positive signs amid continued high-level contacts between the two governments. India’s commerce ministry has also said that talks are progressing, with both sides working to resolve issues related to reciprocal tariffs and market access.

Underscoring the growing strategic and economic importance of the partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump have jointly aimed to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

In September, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said trade talks with the US were still going on, but stressed that India was simultaneously engaging with several other countries as well.

Speaking at the concluding session of the UP International Trade Show, Goyal highlighted the ongoing discussions with the European Union, New Zealand, Oman, Peru and Chile.

“Our trade talks with the US are ongoing. We are also in discussions with the EU, New Zealand, Oman, Peru and Chile. Ministers from Qatar and Bahrain recently visited and expressed interest in entering into a free trade agreement with India. The terms of reference with Eurasia have been finalized. This reflects the interest in India from many countries, including developed countries,” Goyal said.