Trump Praises PM Modi, Signals Progress on US-India Trade Deal
US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that a US-India trade deal will be reached, while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighting the strong relationship between the two leaders. The latest update comes as trade negotiations between Washington and New Delhi continue to move forward.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump described Modi as a close friend and said the relationship between the two countries remains strong. His remarks have drawn attention as both governments work toward finalising an interim trade agreement and advancing a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
US-India Trade Deal Talks Gain Momentum
The US-India trade deal remains a key focus of ongoing economic discussions between the two nations. Trump said he believes an agreement will eventually be achieved despite differences that have existed over tariffs and market access.
“I like your Prime Minister a lot. He is a good friend of mine, and we get along well. We have a good relationship,” Trump said while discussing trade ties between India and the United States.
The US President also referred to past trade concerns, claiming that India had benefited from high tariffs for many years. However, he maintained that negotiations were progressing and expressed optimism that both countries would reach common ground.
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Four Days of Trade Negotiations Held in New Delhi
Trade officials from India and the United States recently concluded four days of discussions in New Delhi from June 1 to June 4. Representatives from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and Indian counterparts held talks on multiple issues linked to bilateral trade.
The discussions covered trade in goods, customs procedures, trade facilitation measures, non-tariff barriers, and economic security cooperation. Both sides described the talks as productive and indicated that efforts were continuing toward a mutually beneficial agreement.
Officials are simultaneously working on an interim arrangement while negotiations on the broader Bilateral Trade Agreement continue.
Officials Indicate Progress Towards Agreement
Recent statements from senior officials suggest that negotiations may be entering a decisive phase. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said discussions were nearing completion, with only a limited number of issues yet to be resolved.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has also indicated that most matters have been settled. According to government officials, talks are now focused on final details before the first tranche of the agreement is announced.
The positive signals from both sides have increased expectations that a formal trade understanding could emerge in the near future.
Tariff Proposal Remains a Potential Challenge
Despite progress in negotiations, a proposed tariff review by the Trump administration remains an area of uncertainty. The review, being conducted under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, covers imports from 60 economies, including India.
Under the proposal, additional tariffs could be imposed on economies based on their policies regarding imports allegedly connected to forced labour concerns. India is among several countries included in the review, alongside China, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that countries failing to address such imports could create unfair conditions for American workers. The proposal continues to be examined even as trade talks advance.
Strong Political Ties Support Negotiations
The personal relationship between Trump and Modi has frequently been viewed as a positive factor in bilateral engagement. Trump's latest comments reinforce that perception and come at a time when both governments are seeking stronger economic cooperation.
While some trade issues remain unresolved, officials on both sides continue to project confidence about the outcome of negotiations. The US-India trade deal remains a major focus of ongoing discussions, with further announcements expected as talks progress.