As speculation about an imminent trade deal between the two countries gathers steam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke over the phone on Thursday and discussed expanding cooperation in various areas.

As passengers continue to grapple with flight cancellations and delays triggered by IndiGo’s operational meltdown, government data tabled in the Lok Sabha on Thursday has underscored a harsh reality: India’s aviation sector is largely loss-making.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed US praise for trade deal offers, urging the US to finalize the agreement if satisfied. Despite no timeline, Goyal highlighted ongoing discussions and the mutual benefit required for any deal.