New Delhi, May 28 -- National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett stated Tuesday that India is very close to signing a historic trade agreement with the United States.

Hassett's remarks coincided with the Donald Trump administration's indication that it is willing to reduce tariffs to 10% or less for countries that present strong trade offers.

The US-India trade and tariff agreement is "nearing the finish line," White House economic advisor Hassett told CNBC.

Additionally, he stated that the Trump administration does not wish to use tariffs to "hurt Apple." He was cited as adding, "We do not want to harm Apple, but we will see what happens in the end and what the upgrade is."

During discussions with US Commerce Secretary Howard L...