The American Whiskey Association (AWA) said the United States and India may be approaching a historic trade moment that could position American whiskey as a leading example of how a strong agreement supports US agriculture, manufacturing, and exports. The Washington, DC-based body issued the statement on June 18, 2026, as President Donald Trump pursues a potential landmark US-India trade deal.
India is already the world’s largest whiskey market by volume.
The country has a rapidly expanding consumer class, a sophisticated hospitality culture, and growing demand for premium products.
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AWA said a trade framework granting American whiskey "commercially meaningful access" could make India one of its most important long-term export markets.
"India represents a defining long-term opportunity for American whiskey," said Michael Bilello, president and CEO of the American Whiskey Association.
"President Trump is on the precipice of brokering what could become a historic US-India trade deal," Bilello added. "If American whiskey is included in a meaningful way, this agreement can support American farmers, barrel makers, distillers, exporters, hospitality businesses, and consumers in both countries."
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READ THE STORYThe Association has engaged directly with the Trump Administration and US trade officials. It has provided member input and submitted letters to the Office of the US Trade Representative.
AWA has also met Indian stakeholders, including a closed-door discussion with Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, India’s Ambassador to the United States, hosted by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in Chicago.
The body stressed it is not seeking preferential treatment, but a level playing field.
"American whiskey is not asking for preferential treatment," Bilello said. "We need the ability to compete fairly, reach Indian consumers at a commercially viable price, and let the market decide."
India’s middle class is projected to exceed one billion consumers by 2047, AWA noted.
The Association said the category fits that future through its versatility and premium positioning, with appeal for bartenders in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Goa.
"This is not about replacing India’s own whiskey tradition," Bilello said. "The opportunity is to expand consumer choice."
The comments come at a challenging period for American whiskey, which faces ongoing tariff pressures across several export markets, including the European Union.
"American whiskey is America in a bottle," Bilello concluded. "Now the task is to make sure the market access matches the opportunity."
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