Trump Says India-US Trade Deal 'Pretty Close'

US President Donald Trump said the India-US trade deal is "pretty close" to conclusion, describing it as a "much different kind" of agreement than previous US arrangements. He did not provide details on its unique aspects or a timeline. Trump's remarks came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India for talks with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on trade, energy, technology and defence. Rubio earlier said the deal was "weeks, not months" away, following recent meetings between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The bilateral agreement, negotiated for over 18 months, aims to expand market access and resolve disputes over tariffs, agricultural products, industrial goods and regulatory barriers. The talks hold significance for Indian exports like pharmaceuticals and electronics, while US firms seek greater access to India's consumer market.