Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, voiced optimism that India and the United States will conclude a bilateral trade deal in the coming weeks, according to the Economic Times. Speaking at the IX Leadership Summit of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), where he received the 2026 Leadership Award, Mittal directly addressed United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
Mittal’s Call for Swift Trade Deal
"I'm hoping Secretary Lutnick that if not in days, but in a few weeks, that India and the US will have a trade deal that we in the industry have been looking forward to," Mittal said during the summit, as reported by the Economic Times. The statement underscores the urgency felt by industry leaders for a formal trade agreement that would reduce tariffs and strengthen bilateral commerce.
Recognition at USISPF Summit
The USISPF IX Leadership Summit honoured three global business leaders for their contributions to strengthening the India-US commercial partnership. Besides Mittal, the 2026 Leadership Award was presented to:
- V. Prem Watsa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fairfax Financial
- Christopher T. Calio, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RTX Corporation
In a video message played during the event, Mittal thanked USISPF for the recognition and stressed the growing strategic alignment between the two countries. He also referred to the celebrations marking 250 years of American independence, saying, "How much I wish that I would have been amongst you today on this very special occasion of USISPF holding this very special day celebrating 250 years of US freedom."
The Economic Times reported that the forum's honours were part of its broader mission to deepen economic engagement between India and North America. Mittal praised the work of USISPF under the leadership of Mukesh and John, stating: "I personally believe that the work that USISPF has been doing under Mukesh and John should be truly cherished and celebrated."
Strategic Importance of Indian Diaspora
Mittal highlighted the nearly five-million-strong Indian diaspora in the United States as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation, according to the Economic Times. This demographic connection, he noted, serves as a foundation for the broader strategic relationship between New Delhi and Washington.
The trade deal, if concluded, would mark a significant milestone for importers and exporters in both countries, particularly in sectors such as telecommunications—Mittal’s core business—and manufacturing. The Economic Times did not provide specific tariff or volume data in its report, but the anticipated agreement is expected to address long-standing barriers.
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