PM Modi Calls US a ‘Close Friend’, Expresses Confidence in Trade Talks Amid Tariff Strain

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described the United States as a “close friend” and a “natural partner” of India, while expressing optimism that ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations would unlock “limitless potential” in their partnership.

Responding to a social media post by former US President Donald Trump, Modi said that both Indian and American teams were working to conclude discussions at the earliest. “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,” Modi posted on X.

Trump, in his own message, struck a positive note, calling Modi his “very good friend.” He wrote, “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!”

The former US President also confirmed that trade talks were underway to reduce barriers, adding that he was “pleased” by the progress.

This exchange comes after a period of strain in India-US ties, particularly over Washington’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian imports. Trump had earlier announced a 50 per cent tariff, including an additional 25 per cent duty linked to India’s discounted purchases of Russian oil—bringing the total to 50 per cent from August 27.

Trump had openly voiced his displeasure over India’s continued energy trade with Moscow following Western sanctions on Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia, and I let them know that. We put a very big tariff on India, 50 per cent tariff, a very high tariff. I get along very well with Modi, he’s great. He was here a couple of months ago,” Trump said.