Washington, September 10: In a significant move toward easing bilateral tensions, US President Donald Trump has announced that his administration has resumed trade negotiations with India.
“I am pleased to announce that India, and the United States of America, are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
On Tuesday, the US President also described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “very good friend” and said he looks forward to speaking with him “in the upcoming weeks.” “I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our great countries,” he added.
Trump’s latest remarks reflect a recent softening of rhetoric from Washington. On Friday, during a White House press conference, he had affirmed, “I’ll always be friends with Prime Minister Modi” and hailed him as a “great Prime Minister.” “India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about,” he noted.
Hours later, Prime Minister Modi reciprocated warmly, saying he appreciated and fully endorsed Trump’s sentiments. “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” Modi wrote on X.
Adding to the diplomatic engagements, Indian Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, met with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, on Monday. Sharing a picture of the meeting on X, Kwatra described it as a “productive discussion,” echoing the leaders’ sentiments. “Both sides remain engaged through our ongoing bilateral and Quad initiatives, under the forward-looking India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership,” he said.
However, the renewed dialogue comes against the backdrop of recent trade friction. On August 27, President Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports to the US—doubling the earlier 25 per cent levy—as a consequence of India’s continued purchase of Russian oil amid the Ukraine conflict.
