US President Donald Trump has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “good friend” and expressed confidence that India and the United States will soon reach a trade agreement, even as he reiterated long-standing concerns over tariff imbalances between the two countries. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Washington and New Delhi maintain strong relations and that negotiations would ultimately lead to a deal.

He emphasised his personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi, adding that the two leaders “get along well” and share a positive working relationship. Trump, however, repeated his criticism that India had benefited unfairly from past US trade policies, alleging that New Delhi imposed high tariffs on American goods while US markets remained more open. He said his administration’s approach was aimed at correcting what he described as an imbalance in trade practices.

The US President’s remarks come at a time when trade discussions between the two countries are ongoing. A US delegation recently visited India for talks on a potential interim trade agreement, with both sides signalling a willingness to work towards a mutually beneficial framework aimed at strengthening economic ties. At the same time, the United States has announced a new round of additional tariffs affecting multiple countries, citing concerns related to forced labour in global supply chains.

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The measures reportedly include a 12.5 per cent tariff increase on goods from 54 countries, including India, as part of broader enforcement actions linked to labour standards. Trump also referred to past trade disputes involving American companies, citing Harley-Davidson as an example of how high import duties in India had impacted US businesses. He argued that restrictive tariffs had forced the company to establish manufacturing operations in India rather than export directly from the United States.

Contrasting that situation with current US trade policy, Trump said American markets remain open to foreign manufacturers, including Indian firms, without similar barriers. He added that the current approach is generating stronger economic returns for the United States. Despite the criticism, Trump maintained an optimistic tone on bilateral relations, reiterating that trade negotiations would progress successfully given the strength of the broader strategic partnership between India and the United States.

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