“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!” Trump wrote on his social media account.
Over the weekend, Trump had also told reporters that India and the US have a “very special” relationship and that he will always remain friends with Prime Minister Modi. The remarks were reciprocated by PM Modi, who also wrote on “X” that India and the US share a forward-looking comprehensive & global strategic partnership.Trade negotiations between India and the US have reached an impasse after the Trump administration imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports to the US, accusing India of buying Russian oil and thereby funding the war in Ukraine. This took the total levy on Indian exports to 50%, impacting sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery and sea food exports.
A recent round of talks that were supposed to be held between trade negotiators of both sides were also called off, with no new date fixed.
Although in both of Trump’s remarks, there is no mention about what happens to the excess 25% levy that has been put in place. His remarks also come as a contradiction to other White House officials, who are advocating more sanctions and tariffs on Russia and countries who purchase its oil.
White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has made continuous remarks against India over the Russia-Ukraine war, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, in an interview to CNBC last Friday mentioned that India will be at the negotiation table in the next few months and “say sorry to President Trump.” Earlier this week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also remarked that he is in favour of the US and EU imposing joint sanctions on Russia and on countries who do business with them to cripple its economy.
In an interaction with CNBC-TV18 on Monday, former foreign secretary Nirupama Rao mentioned that the Trump-Modi exchange over the weekend is an opening gambit and not a reset of India-US ties. She added that there is a need to constantly evaluate the relationship between the two countries and that India should “frontload the optics and backload the substance”, along with defending its actions back home.
