'Look Forward To Speaking With Very Good Friend PM Modi': Trump Signals Resumption Of Trade Talks

Last Updated:September 10, 2025, 06:45 IST

Trump's statement comes amid heightened geopolitical and economic coordination between Washington and New Delhi

India remains a crucial strategic partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific, and bilateral trade has grown steadily, reaching $192 billion in 2024. File pic/Reuters

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the United States and India are resuming negotiations aimed at resolving long-standing trade disputes between the two countries.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, “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!"

While neither the White House nor the Indian Ministry of Commerce has officially confirmed a new round of talks, Trump’s statement comes amid heightened geopolitical and economic coordination between Washington and New Delhi, particularly in areas such as defence, technology, and supply chains.

Background: A Fraught Trade Relationship

Trade tensions between the two countries date back to Trump’s first term, when he imposed tariffs on Indian aluminium and steel in 2018, prompting retaliatory duties by New Delhi. In 2019, the US revoked India’s GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) status—eliminating duty-free access to the American market for over $6 billion worth of Indian goods.

Though efforts were made during the Trump and Biden administrations to reach a limited trade deal, negotiations stalled over disagreements on digital trade, data localisation, and tariffs on US agricultural and medical products.

India remains a crucial strategic partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific, and bilateral trade has grown steadily, reaching $192 billion in 2024, making the United States India’s largest trading partner.

Political Timing and Implications

Trump’s statement appears timed to appeal to Indian-American voters ahead of the 2026 midterms and possibly to lay the groundwork for a renewed US-India trade pact. His warm reference to PM Modi as a “very good friend" also signals continuity in personal diplomacy between the two leaders.

Analysts believe renewed talks could focus on restoring GSP benefits, removing tariffs, and joint frameworks on e-commerce and semiconductor cooperation.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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News world 'Look Forward To Speaking With Very Good Friend PM Modi': Trump Signals Resumption Of Trade Talks

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