US Plans Trade Deal With India After Russian Oil Ceases

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the United States aims to finalize a trade deal with India once India stops purchasing Russian crude oil, highlighting this as a primary hurdle alongside India's trade barriers. Lutnick emphasized that India did not buy Russian oil before the Russia-Ukraine war, indicating a shift that the U.S. wants reversed. President Donald Trump has renewed outreach to India, expressing optimism about ongoing negotiations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve these trade issues. Lutnick also mentioned forthcoming trade deals with Taiwan and Switzerland, and noted uncertainty about the finalization of a deal with South Korea due to pending paperwork and potential complications related to an immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia. These remarks reflect a broader U.S. effort to address trade relations with key partners amid geopolitical concerns. The developments are part of the Trump administration’s strategy to open markets and curb dependence on Russian energy imports.