Trump Expresses Strong Admiration for PM Modi, Pushes Trade Discussions With India
US-India trade talks heat up as leaders bond.
US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintain frequent communication, signaling a strengthening of ties as their trade teams engage in intensive negotiations, the White House announced on Tuesday. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the robust dialogue, noting Trump’s high regard for Modi and their regular discussions. This development follows a period of strained relations earlier this year when the US imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods, reflecting a concerted effort to mend economic fences and advance a bilateral trade framework.
The push for a trade deal gained momentum after Trump, speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea last week, expressed optimism about finalizing an agreement with India. The White House underscored the seriousness of these talks, which aim to bolster economic cooperation despite past tensions over India’s energy imports from Russia. Leavitt highlighted the appointment of Sergio Gor as US ambassador to India, signaling strong diplomatic support for advancing this partnership under Trump’s leadership.
Tensions had escalated when the US doubled tariffs on Indian exports to 50% in July, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil amid Western sanctions tied to the Ukraine conflict. India’s Ministry of External Affairs countered that its energy sourcing prioritizes national interests and consumer affordability, resisting external pressures. Recent reports indicate Indian refiners have reduced reliance on Russian oil following new US sanctions on exporters Rosneft and Lukoil, potentially easing a key sticking point in negotiations.
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The warming of US-India relations comes as both nations navigate complex geopolitical and economic landscapes. Trump’s earlier claims of influencing India to curb Russian oil imports, though met with measured Indian responses, suggest a willingness to find common ground. Negotiations are reportedly focusing on reducing US tariffs, possibly to 15%, while India considers increasing imports of American corn and soymeal, balancing domestic agricultural sensitivities with trade concessions.
This renewed engagement marks a shift from earlier friction, with Modi and Trump speaking multiple times since September, including during Diwali celebrations at the White House. As talks progress, the potential trade deal could reshape bilateral economic ties, reinforcing India’s strategic importance to the US while addressing mutual concerns over tariffs and market access. The outcome of these discussions will likely influence broader Indo-Pacific economic dynamics.
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