NEW DELHI, June 3 (Reuters) - Trade negotiations between

the United States and India are making progress and a deal could

be finalised soon, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said

on Monday, as both sides push to conclude talks ahead of a July

deadline.

"You should expect a deal between United States and India

(in the ) not-too-distant future because I think we have found a

place that really works for both countries," Lutnick said at the

annual summit of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in

Washington.

Lutnick later posted a short video of his remarks on social

media platform X, saying "We have a great relationship between

the countries. I'm optimistic for a trade deal soon that will

benefit both nations."

Reuters reported earlier that the Trump administration had

asked trade partners to submit their best offers by Wednesday,

as officials work towards finalising several deals ahead of a

self-imposed July 9 deadline.

India's trade ministry declined to comment on the timeline.

However, Rajesh Agrawal, India's chief negotiator for talks

with the U.S., said last week that trade talks between the two

countries were progressing well, and that a "good outcome" was

expected soon.

A U.S. trade delegation is scheduled to visit New Delhi on

June 5-6 for further discussions.

An Indian team had visited Washington in April, and Trade

Minister Piyush Goyal also visited last month to push trade

talks.

Lutnick said Washington was seeking lower tariffs

particularly on agricultural products, greater market access for

U.S. firms, and increased purchases of defence equipment, with

an aim of reducing its trade deficit with India.

In return, it was prepared to expand access for Indian

exports.

"India is a very protectionist country," he said, noting

tariffs of up to 100% on some products. "We would like our

businesses to have reasonable market access."

He said strong ties between President Donald Trump and Prime

Minister Narendra Modi were helping ease negotiations.