India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said New Delhi is “hopeful” of finalising a bilateral trade agreement with the United States before 9 July, when a suspension of tariffs on Indian goods is due to expire. Speaking in Brussels, the minister stressed that preventing the re-imposition of duties is critical to safeguarding a relationship he called “of immense importance.” Jaishankar acknowledged that the Trump administration’s tariff-heavy approach complicates negotiations, and former diplomats have warned that any accord could prove fragile if Washington revisits import levies. Nevertheless, Indian officials believe the weeks leading up to the deadline provide a window to strike mutually acceptable terms. The minister also reported “good progress” in talks on a comprehensive India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and said the two sides aim to complete the pact by the end of 2025. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas backed the effort, citing a strong case for deeper security, defence and maritime cooperation with India ahead of an India-EU summit slated for next year. Jaishankar’s European itinerary included Sweden, where Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met Swedish counterparts and business leaders. Goyal encouraged Swedish firms to expand investment in India and explored collaboration on clean energy, sustainable packaging and advanced manufacturing.