After weeks of tension, on 9/9, US President Donald Trump expressed his desire to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the "coming weeks" and voiced optimism about completing a trade deal.
"I am confident that there will be no difficulty in achieving a successful outcome for both of our great nations," he wrote on social media.
In response, Modi wrote on social media on 10/9 that Washington and New Delhi "are close friends and natural partners". He stated that negotiating teams from both countries are working to conclude trade discussions soon.
"I also look forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for both nations," he stated.
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US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House on 13/2. Photo: Reuters |
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House on 13/2. Photo: Reuters
According to CNBC, Indian and US trade officials are likely to restart direct negotiations this month. A planned visit by US trade negotiators to New Delhi from 25/8 to 29/8 was previously canceled.
Madhavi Arora, an economist at Emkay Global, assessed that the social media statements by Trump and Modi signal the prospect of closer ties between the two countries, but it's still too early for quick results. "With Trump, we need to wait for more concrete signals that an agreement is in the works," she said.
In recent months, President Trump declared a trade agreement with India was imminent, yet he doubled tariffs on imports from the country, currently at 50%. In recent weeks, he and White House officials criticized India for continuing to buy Russian oil despite warnings. In response, on 5/9, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman affirmed that India would continue buying Russian oil due to economic considerations.
Recent sources from Reuters say Trump urged Europe to impose heavy tariffs on China and India to increase pressure on the Kremlin. However, New Delhi said it doesn't believe the EU has any plans to sanction India.
According to the US Census Bureau, bilateral trade with India reached a total of 129 billion USD in 2024, with a US deficit of 45.8 billion USD.
Phien An (Reuters)
