Besant stated that India is very likely to be one of the first countries to reach a trade agreement.

On Monday, US Treasury Secretary Besant stated that many of America’s major trading partners have proposed "very good" suggestions to avoid tariffs imposed by the USA, and India is very likely to be one of the first countries to sign a trade agreement with the USA. After an interview on television, Besant told reporters that the first such trade agreement might be reached this week or next week, but he did not disclose further details. Besant indicated that President Trump would be "closely involved" in every custom trade agreement with 15 to 18 important trading partners, but reaching a principle agreement as soon as possible is crucial. Besant stated, "I guess India will be one of the first trade agreements we sign." He also added that the USA has engaged in very substantive negotiations with Japan, and discussions with other Asian trading partners are also progressing smoothly.