<h1>Rupee gains 3 paise to 85.70 against dollar on trade deal optimism and weak US currency</h1> The rupee strengthened by 3 paise to close at 85.70 against the US dollar, supported by optimism over a potential US-India trade deal despite domestic equity markets closing lower. The currency traded between 85.53-85.70 during the session. A commerce ministry team is expected to visit Washington next week for trade negotiations, with India seeking removal of additional import duties and tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automotive sectors. The US has extended additional import duties until August 1. Weak US dollar and declining crude oil prices provided support, though domestic market weakness limited gains. Foreign institutional investors purchased equities worth Rs 221.06 crore.