The US and India have been edging closer for years. Washington sees India as a key regional counterweight against a more assertive China, while for New Delhi, the US has become an increasingly important source of foreign investment and a partner for trade and security.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Donald Trump on Wednesday indicated he had received inputs suggesting India plans to lower tariffs on certain goods.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed Wednesday that he expects India to strike the first bilateral trade deal to avoid President Trump’s suite of “reciprocal” tariffs — with any potential agreement with China “put to the side” for now.