Modi responds to Trump on trade talks, signals bobust India-US partnership amid tariff tensions
Indian PM Narendra Modi echoes US President Donald Trump’s optimism on trade negotiations, emphasizing mutual prosperity despite past tensions over tariffs and Russian oil imports.
NewsArc Bureau
New Delhi: In a hopeful exchange on social media, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to US President Donald Trump’s announcement regarding ongoing trade negotiations aimed at resolving barriers between India and the United States. On September 10, 2025, Modi posted on X: “India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people.”
First Trump shared this optimism, stating on X: “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. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, 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!”
This exchange follows a turbulent period in India-US relations. Tensions escalated when Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which he claimed fueled Russia’s war in Ukraine. The tariffs, effective from August 2025, were also a response to India’s high tariffs on US exports, particularly in agriculture and technology. India called the levies “unjustified,” noting that other nations, like China, also import Russian oil without similar penalties.
Further straining ties, Trump repeatedly claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after a May 2025 conflict in Kashmir. Modi firmly denied this, stating in parliament that “no country had mediated” the ceasefire. Trump’s assertions, coupled with his administration’s overtures to Pakistan, including a preferential 19% tariff rate, irked New Delhi.
Despite these frictions, both leaders have a history of warm relations, marked by events like “Howdy Modi” in 2019 and “Namaste Trump” in 2020. Bilateral trade exceeds $190 billion, with the US as India’s largest export market. The current talks aim to address sticking points like India’s protectionist agricultural policies and US demands for market access.
Analysts see this renewed dialogue as a chance for a limited trade deal, potentially stabilizing ties and boosting economic cooperation. With Modi and Trump set to speak soon, the outcome could reshape India-US relations amid global economic challenges.
