'Trump Wanted Unilateral Deal With India': Former Envoy Unpacks India-US Trade Deal Announcement

Former Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar discussed why the India-US trade deal was announced suddenly. He said the deal was ready by July last year, but 25% US tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases stalled it. Sajjanhar explained Trump wanted credit for India-Pakistan ceasefire and sought unilateral trade benefits, which India refused. He noted India had signed major deals with other countries, including the long-pending India-EU trade deal, showing India would not give unilateral advantages. The ambassador added that Trump’s tariff pressure on Indian goods failed, as India’s economic strength and strategic importance limited US leverage. Realizing nothing better could be achieved, the US came on board, leading to the sudden public announcement of the deal, he says.