Union Ministers hail ‘historic’ India-U.S. trade deal; Congress says PM has ‘capitulated finally’

Union Ministers praise the historic India-U.S. trade deal, while Congress accuses PM Modi of capitulation amid new tariffs.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday (February 3, 2026) welcomed the India-U.S. trade agreement, saying it will spur growth in both economies and strengthen the country's 'Make in India' endeavours.

India-U.S. trade deal LIVE

Mr. Jaishankar, who is on a three-day visit to the U.S. to attend a Washington-led ministerial meeting on critical minerals supply chain, said he "welcomed the announcements on bilateral trade".

India and the U.S. agreed to a trade deal under which Washington will bring down the reciprocal tariff on Indian goods to 18% from the current 25%, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday (February 2, 2026) after a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“This will create more jobs, spur growth and promote innovation in both economies. It will strengthen ‘Make in India’ endeavors and encourage trusted technology ties,” Mr. Jaishankar said in a post on X.

“The opportunities in our economic engagement are truly vast, and we are confident of realising them. A robust economic relationship is the strongest foundation for our strategic partnership,” he added.