Rubio says Washington 'very close' to finalising trade deal with India

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is 'very close' to finalising a trade deal with India during his two-day visit to Mumbai and Jamnagar.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is 'very close' to finalising a trade deal with India, raising hopes of a breakthrough during his two-day visit to Mumbai and Jamnagar. He is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and business leaders to push commercial investment.
The comments mark the most upbeat signal yet on the long-running negotiations, which have been complicated by disputes over tariffs and India's purchases of Russian oil. Both governments have been working to narrow differences on market access and digital trade.
A deal would be a major boost for exporters on both sides at a time of global trade turbulence. Business groups in India are watching closely for concessions on textiles, pharmaceuticals and IT services.



