“PM Modi a Good Friend”: Donald Trump signals progress n India-US Trade Deal
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US President Donald Trump has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “good friend” while expressing confidence that India and the United States will soon finalise a trade agreement. His remarks come amid ongoing negotiations between the two countries on an interim bilateral trade deal and renewed discussions on tariffs.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the US and India have a strong relationship and will “get to a deal” because of his personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi. He emphasised that both nations maintain a positive working relationship despite differences over trade policies.
At the same time, Trump reiterated his long-standing criticism of India’s tariff structure, alleging that New Delhi had imposed high duties on American goods for years. He argued that his administration’s trade approach is aimed at correcting what he called an imbalance in past trade practices.
“For years, India took advantage of the United States… They charged us tremendous tariffs and paid nothing… Now it is the exact reverse, and we are making a lot of money with India,” Trump said, while reaffirming that negotiations are ongoing.
The comments come shortly after a US delegation visited India earlier this week for discussions on an interim trade framework. Both sides have reportedly shown willingness to move towards a mutually beneficial agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
However, tensions remain over Washington’s broader tariff strategy, with the US recently announcing additional 12.5 per cent tariffs on imports from multiple countries over alleged forced labour concerns. India is among the nations included in the list, alongside several major global economies.
Trump also cited the example of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, claiming that high Indian tariffs had earlier restricted American companies from accessing the Indian market, while suggesting that US markets remain more open in comparison.
Despite these differences, both governments have continued negotiations on the Bilateral Trade Agreement framework announced earlier this year, following a phone call between Trump and Modi. Officials on both sides have indicated that discussions are progressing, though final agreement terms are still under review.
