U.S. President Donald Trump has made it clear that he intends to speak personally with Prime Minister Narendra Modi before giving his final approval to the anticipated India–U.S. trade agreement, according to sources familiar with the developments. Negotiations have wrapped up, and key officials - U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal - have endorsed the final draft  However, the agreement remains unsigned on Trump's desk for over a week.

Trump reportedly described Modi as “his friend” and has communicated this desire for a conversation to New Delhi. Modi is currently in the Monsoon Session of Parliament and is expected to coordinate the call timing. Meanwhile, Trump reiterated that the deal is not yet finalized and issued a warning that India could face import tariffs of up to 20–25% if the agreement is not concluded by the U.S.’s self-imposed August 1 deadline.