India-US Negotiations Back on Track, Trump Certain of ‘No Difficulty’ In Trade Talks
By R Anil Kumar
Washington DC/ New Delhi. United States President Donald Trump has announced that negotiations between the US and India to address trade barriers are back on track, expressing confidence that there will be “no difficulty” in reaching a successful conclusion beneficial to both nations.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated he looks forward to speaking with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks, describing Modi as a “very good friend.” This announcement follows heightened trade tensions, including the recent imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods by the US, which comprises an additional 25% penalty on purchases of Russian oil by India.
Trump also emphasized the “very special relationship” between the US and India, reassuring that his personal friendship with Modi remains strong despite some displeasure over India’s actions at the time.
Modi reciprocated warmly, describing the bilateral ties as “close friends and natural partners” with a “forward-looking” and comprehensive strategic partnership.
Modi expressed confidence that ongoing trade negotiations would unlock the limitless potential of the India-US partnership and highlighted that teams from both countries are working to conclude discussions swiftly for a brighter and more prosperous future for their peoples.
Trade delegations are expected to be exchanged shortly, including an Indian delegation visiting Washington to address trade barriers and US concerns. Further, the US is also moving to finalize deals on defence acquisitions with India amid these broader talks.
The positive remarks from both leaders come after months of strained relations, underscored by Trump’s earlier warnings about India’s relationship with China and disagreements over tariffs and Russian oil imports. Nevertheless, his recent tone shifts towards optimism in resolving trade disputes and deepening cooperation between the two nations.
There have been recent trade frictions and tariff escalations, the US and India have renewed their commitment to dialogue with hopeful prospects of overcoming key barriers, bolstered by strong personal ties between their leaders and strategic interests converging in a global partnership framework.
PM Modi Expresses Confidence That Ongoing Trade Talks with US Would Unlock ‘Limitless Potential’; After Trump’s Call To Address ‘Trade Barriers’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, September 10, expressed confidence that ongoing trade talks with the United States would unlock the “limitless potential” of the India-US partnership, shortly after President Donald Trump urged for negotiations to address long-standing “trade barriers.”
In a post on X, Modi noted that India and the US are “close friends and natural partners,” adding that both nations’ teams are working toward an early conclusion of the talks. He further conveyed his willingness to speak directly with Trump in the coming weeks to accelerate progress.
Trump, through a Truth Social post on Tuesday, September 9, echoed similar optimism, saying he was “pleased” that negotiations were continuing and voiced certainty about achieving a “successful conclusion” beneficial to both countries.
His comments followed earlier remarks describing the Indo-US relationship as “very special,” while underlining his enduring friendship with Modi. Despite acknowledging some disagreements, Trump stressed that there was “nothing to worry about” in the broader trajectory of bilateral ties.
The latest exchange comes against the backdrop of heightened economic frictions caused by Washington’s imposition of steep tariffs on Indian imports—50 percent overall, with an additional 25 percent penalty tied to India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil.
The US has argued that Indian energy imports support Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine, while New Delhi has maintained that its procurement decisions are rooted in affordability and energy security.
Days earlier, Modi had responded warmly to Trump’s description of the ties, saying he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” the US President’s sentiments. He reaffirmed that India and the United States share a “forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” signalling continuity in engagement despite tariff-driven strains.
Policymakers in both New Delhi and Washington now view the outcome of these trade negotiations as critical in stabilizing economic ties while reinforcing the broader strategic partnership.
