But experts say India's refusal to reduce duties on agriculture and dairy products has been a major thorn in the negotiations. Trump's new 50% tariff rate on India is set to come into effect on 27 August, which some experts have said is akin to an embargo on trade between the two countries.

President Trump suggests the US might not impose secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, easing concerns for India. His remarks came during an Air Force One interview before a summit with Putin.