With the August 1 deadline for reciprocal tariffs approaching, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has said that more negotiations are needed to finalize a trade agreement between India and the United States.

In an interview with CNBC, Greer emphasized that while discussions with India have been “constructive,” a deal is not yet finalized. “We continue to speak with our Indian counterparts… but we need some more negotiations to see how ambitious they want to be,” he said.

Greer acknowledged that India has shown “strong interest” in opening parts of its market, but noted that the country’s longstanding trade policy remains focused on protecting its domestic industries. “That’s just how they do business,” he added.

The statement comes amid rising urgency to avoid potential retaliatory tariffs. India faces the threat of U.S. tariffs if a trade deal is not concluded by August 1, though no formal tariff notice has yet been issued.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently stated that both sides are working toward a resolution that could avert the imposition of 26 percent tariffs. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also said that trade negotiations with the U.S. and EU are “progressing well.”

U.S. President Donald Trump earlier indicated that the two countries are “very close” to concluding a trade agreement. “We’re very close to a deal with India, where they open it up,” he said, referring to improved access for U.S. exports.

Meanwhile, Greer also touched on China, saying its willingness to engage in trade talks with the U.S. is “a good sign,” though he cautioned against expecting any “enormous breakthrough.”

The final outcome of the India-U.S. trade talks remains uncertain as both sides weigh economic and strategic interests.