Overview
- On the All-In Podcast, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said a brief “three Fridays” window closed without a leader-to-leader call, so the earlier offer to India has expired.
- He described a “staircase” strategy that rewarded earlier closers and noted the United States moved on to announce deals with Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the account “not accurate,” highlighted eight Modi–Trump phone conversations in 2025, and said talks sought a balanced outcome.
- Negotiations launched in February 2025 have included roughly six rounds and recent exchanges, yet no pact has been concluded.
- U.S. tariffs of about 50% on many Indian goods remain, with a 25% levy tied to Russian oil purchases, and a proposed sanctions bill could authorize far higher duties.