US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that representatives from Pakistan will be visiting the United States next week to negotiate a deal on tariffs. He also mentioned that the US is “very close” to finalising a trade agreement with India.
Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews, “Pakistan representatives are coming next week. We’re very close to making a deal with India. And I wouldn’t have any interest in striking a deal with either country if they’re at war with each other.”
This statement comes amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which led to India’s Operation Sindoor. The two countries have exchanged missiles, artillery, and drone strikes, marking their most intense military conflict in decades.
Pakistan is seeking to avoid the imposition of steep US tariffs. After Washington’s announcement of new duties last month, Pakistan faces a 29% tariff on exports to the US due to its $3 billion trade surplus with the country.
Regarding trade with India, Trump expressed optimism, stating, “We’re very close to making a deal with India.” The ongoing talks between the two countries are aimed at reducing trade barriers, with both nations working toward a limited trade deal that could be signed by early July.
In parallel, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described US-India relations as being at a “historic zenith,” highlighting the growing partnership.
He recently met Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Washington to discuss issues including fair trade, illegal immigration, and counternarcotics cooperation.
In another development, India is reportedly preparing to allow US companies to compete for over $50 billion in federal contracts as part of trade negotiations.
