India eyes quick U.S. trade deal amid tariff pause, official says

India aims to expedite trade deal with U.S. amid tariff changes, targeting $500 billion trade by 2030.

India wants to move quickly on a trade deal with the United States, a government official said on Thursday (April 10, 2025), after U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to pause hefty reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, while hiking levies on China.

India and the United States had agreed in February to work on the first phase of a trade deal to be wrapped up by autumn 2025, aiming to reach two-way trade worth $500 billion by 2030.

Also read: Trump’s global tariffs updates, April 10, 2025 

“The 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs is a relief for Indian exporters, especially shrimp exporters,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“India is one of the first nations to start talks over a deal with the United States and to have a jointly agreed to a deadline to conclude it,” the official said.

Global export and trade dynamics will continue to hinge on trade tension between the United States and China, the official added.

The Trade Ministry, which is leading the talks with the United States, did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment.