Cricket and house parties: US Commerce Secretary Lutnik's trade talk peppered with amusing India story

It wasn’t all economics and negotiations at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick took a moment to share his fondness for India — reminiscing about cricket matches, social gatherings, and a close friendship that shaped his appreciation for the country.

According to Lutnick, he is a “great fan of India” and “even the people in the government know that that's true.”

Sharing a personal anecdote, he said that one of his best friends is Indian and recalled the fun they used to have together—attending house parties and even playing cricket.

Lutnick made the remarks during the 8th edition of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), where he also expressed strong optimism about the trajectory of bilateral trade talks between the two countries.

Alongside his personal reflections, Lutnick praised India for its swift and proactive approach in ongoing trade negotiations. He highlighted that both sides were working to finalise a deal much faster than usual—one that promises mutual benefits.

“I think to be in a very, very good place, and you should expect a deal between the United States and India in the not-too-distant future because I think we found a place that really works for both countries,” Lutnick said.

When asked if he remained hopeful about the outcome of the negotiations, Lutnick replied, “I'm very optimistic,” and quipped, “It could be sort of the way I come across.”

Lutnick, who has decades of business experience in India, said the partnership between New Delhi and Washington has strong potential, especially given the “rare connection” between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Earlier countries get a better deal. That's the way it is. I think India is trying hard to be one of the earlier countries, which I appreciate. But these kind of deals used to take two or three years and we're trying to get them done in a month, which is just not the ordinary DNA of trading relationships between countries,” he added. — with ANI