Won’t repeat mistakes made with China: US official Christopher Landau on India trade deal

US deputy secretary of state says trade agreement with India will prioritise American interests while strengthening strategic partnership

PGurus Newsdesk

March 6, 2026

India-US trade deal close to finish line

Washington signals cautious approach in India trade negotiations

Christopher Landau, the United States deputy secretary of state, said on Thursday that Washington will ensure its upcoming trade agreement with India prioritises American interests, even as the two nations seek to deepen economic cooperation.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Landau stressed that the United States values its partnership with India but will not repeat the policy mistakes it believes were made in trade relations with China.

“India should understand that we’re not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago,” Landau said. “We’re going to make sure that whatever we do, it’s fair to our people. Because ultimately, we have to be accountable to our own people, just as the government of India has to be accountable to its people.”

Trade deal nearing finalisation

His remarks come as India and the United States continue negotiations on a bilateral trade framework expected to expand economic engagement between the two countries.

Providing an update on the talks, Landau said the agreement was close to completion.

“We are very excited about the trade deal that is almost at the finish line now,” he said.

Earlier this year, the two countries announced an interim framework for reciprocal trade while reaffirming their commitment to negotiating a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) launched by US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

‘America first does not mean America alone’

Addressing concerns about Washington’s foreign policy direction, Landau clarified that the “America First” doctrine does not imply isolation from global partners.

“America First obviously does not mean America alone, because one of the ways that you can accomplish those objectives is through cooperation with other countries,” he said.

He also noted that pursuing national interest is a common principle among sovereign nations.

“So just as President Trump wants to make America great again, he would expect the Prime Minister of India or other leaders to want to make their countries great again,” Landau added.

India’s rising global influence

Highlighting India’s growing role on the world stage, the US official said the country’s economic and demographic strengths will significantly shape global developments in the coming decades.

“I think one of the things that is undeniable is that this century is going to be, in many ways, a century in which we expect to see the rise of India,” Landau said.

He described India as a nation with vast economic potential, noting its status as the world’s most populous country and its expanding influence in global politics and economics.

Landau also emphasised that Washington views its partnership with India as strategically important, with opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

“I want to highlight the importance of India as we look around the world in the 21st century and see what are the relationships that we really want to cultivate. I’m not here to do social work or charity. I’m here because it’s in the interest of our country, and we think it’s in the interest of India to deepen our partnership,” he said.

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