Shortly after President Donald Trump called for talks to resolve long-standing “trade barriers,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday voiced confidence that current trade talks with the United States will unlock the “limitless potential” of the India-US cooperation.
India and the US are “close friends and natural partners,” Modi wrote in a post on X, adding that the teams of both countries are trying to wrap up the negotiations as soon as possible. In order to expedite the process, he also expressed his readiness to have direct conversations with Trump in the upcoming weeks.
Trump reiterated this optimism in a Tuesday post on Truth Social, stating that he was “pleased” that talks were still going on and expressed confidence that a “successful conclusion” that would benefit both nations would be reachedFollowing past statements that characterized the Indo-US relationship as “very special,” he emphasized his long-standing friendship with Modi in his remarks. Trump emphasized that there was “nothing to worry about” in the overall direction of bilateral ties, even if he acknowledged certain differences.
Washington’s imposing high tariffs on Indian imports—50 percent overall, with an additional 25 percent penalty linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil—has increased economic tensions, which are the backdrop for the most recent discussion.
.While New Delhi has insisted that its procurement choices are based on economics and energy security, the US has contended that Indian energy imports aid Moscow’s war campaign in Ukraine.
In a heartfelt response to Trump’s explanation of the relationship, Modi had stated a few days prior that he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” the US President’s feelings. In spite of tensions brought on by tariffs, he reiterated that the United States and India had a “forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” indicating that engagement will continue.
]The conclusion of these trade talks is now seen by policymakers in Washington and New Delhi as crucial to bolstering the larger strategic relationship and stabilizing economic ties.
