Washington, February 3 – Prominent Indian-American business leaders have enthusiastically backed the long-awaited trade agreement between India and the United States, hailing it as a pivotal moment in bilateral relations. While some policy veterans view it as a step in the right direction, they urge caution until full details emerge.
Venture capitalist and Republican fundraiser Asha Jadeja Motwani revealed that preparations within the Trump administration were underway well in advance. In an exclusive interview, she noted, ‘Signals were clear by February that a deal was imminent, though the speed caught many off guard.’ Motwani expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s willingness to pivot India’s energy policy, potentially shifting from Russian oil to American or allied sources. She praised the tariff reductions from 25% to 18% as optimal outcomes.
Motwani emphasized Washington’s evolving perspective, now seeing India as a crucial partner in energy, defense, and technology. ‘Relations are stronger than ever,’ she said, urging private sectors to accelerate partnerships without delay.
Former US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development Raymond Vickery offered a more measured response. He welcomed the deal for halting the recent downturn in ties strained by tariffs, visa issues, and disputes. The tariff cut is positive, but Vickery questioned its scope, particularly for sensitive sectors like agriculture, dairy, pulses, and grains.
Vickery also cast doubt on claims of $500 billion in additional purchases, noting current bilateral trade hovers around $200 billion annually. ‘That’s an extraordinary figure,’ he remarked.
Rick Rossow, Chair of India and Emerging Asia Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, highlighted trade resilience despite heavy tariffs in 2025, with 16% growth last year aided by pharmaceutical exemptions. He described the agreement as potentially the ‘first phase,’ improving market access as US imports from India return to normalized tariff levels.
Ohio Republican leader Neeraj Antani celebrated the reciprocal tariff cuts and India’s move away from Russian oil as a ‘great day’ for US-India relations, ending a longstanding impasse.
Indian-American entrepreneur Yogi Chugh called it a game-changer for diaspora businesses, boosting confidence in a competitive global landscape.
Years of negotiations stumbled over tariffs, market access, and politics, yet trade reached nearly $200 billion. This deal arrives amid pushes for collaboration on energy security, critical minerals, defense, and advanced tech. Full documents will clarify the path ahead.