New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI): Bharti Enterprises Founder and Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal expressed optimism over the ongoing India-US trade negotiations, saying he hopes the two countries will conclude a long-awaited trade agreement within the next few weeks.

Speaking at the IX Leadership Summit of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), where he was honoured with the 2026 Leadership Award, Mittal directly addressed United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and underscored the importance of the proposed trade pact for industry.

'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.

Highlighting the broader strategic relationship between New Delhi and Washington, Mittal described the nearly five-million-strong Indian diaspora in the United States as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation.

'Indian diaspora of nearly five million people, largest anywhere in the world, has a beautiful bridge between India and US, helping the strategic relationship develop between the two nations, be that trade, defence, or indeed higher technologies,' he said.

USISPF conferred the 2026 Leadership Award on Mittal in recognition of his contribution to transforming India's telecommunications sector and advancing economic ties between India and North America.

The forum honoured three global business leaders during its IX Leadership Summit for their contributions to strengthening the India-US commercial partnership. In a video message played during the event, Mittal thanked USISPF for the recognition and stressed the growing strategic alignment between the two countries.

Praising the forum's efforts in deepening economic engagement, Mittal also referred to the celebrations marking 250 years of American independence.

'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,' he said.

Besides Mittal, USISPF presented the 2026 Leadership Award to V. Prem Watsa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fairfax Financial, and Christopher T. Calio, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RTX Corporation, for their leadership and contributions to strengthening the India-US economic corridor.

'I personally believe that the work that USISPF has been doing under Mukesh and John should be truly cherished and celebrated. Today they honor some of us with a very special leadership award. And I also take this occasion of congratulating Chris and Prem, who are my fellow awardees today,' Mittal added. (ANI)