US President Donald Trump on Tuesday expressed optimism about ongoing trade negotiations with India, stating that talks were “coming along great” and suggesting that a deal could be on the horizon.

Speaking to reporters at an airport before heading to a rally in Michigan to mark the first 100 days of his second term, Trump said, “India’s coming along great. I think we’ll have a deal with India… they want to make a deal.”

While the president avoided committing to a specific timeline, his comments follow statements from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who has been leading trade negotiations with several Asian nations. Bessent suggested that a deal with India could be the first major trade agreement to be finalized in the wake of recent global trade upheavals.

Earlier this month, President Trump announced a round of reciprocal tariffs affecting nearly all of America’s trading partners. Indian imports were initially subjected to a 26 percent tariff, which has since been reduced to 10 percent for a 90-day period. These new tariffs aim to balance trade deficits and align import duties. China remains the exception, facing a steep 145 percent tariff on its exports to the US.

India, unlike China, has chosen not to retaliate against the US tariffs. Instead, it has moved quickly to engage in negotiations, signaling a willingness to reach an agreement. The Trump administration has praised India’s approach, calling it a model response to the president’s aggressive trade strategy.

“I would guess that India would be one of the first trade deals we would sign,” Bessent told CNBC, adding that the agreement could be finalized as early as this week or next.

Although details of the deal remain scarce, there is speculation that it may include significant reductions in duties on imported automobiles — a key US demand in past trade discussions.

-IANS