Trump’s Latest Statement Signals Softer Tone on India-US Trade

US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social and announced that trade negotiations between the United States and India will continue in the coming weeks and exuded confidence in reaching a successful resolution. Trump shared his excitement about speaking with his “very good friend,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and reaffirming that both great nations are committed to addressing trade barriers. 

“I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. Trump’s statement comes after a recent shift in his tone regarding India-US relations. Despite previously expressing frustration with India’s trade and diplomatic policies, Donald Trump has softened his stance on India recently, describing the India-US relationship as “very special.” 

Last Friday, Trump called Modi a “great Prime Minister” and emphasized that, despite occasional disagreements, the two countries share strong ties. “There is nothing to worry about,” said the US President, hinting that any conflicts are part of a larger and enduring partnership between the two nations. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded positively to Donald Trump’s remarks, striking an optimistic and forward-looking tone on India-US relations. Modi emphasized that India and the United States are not just allies but “close friends and natural partners,” underlining the depth of trust between the two nations. He expressed confidence that the ongoing trade negotiations would unlock the “limitless potential” of the partnership, while assuring that both sides were working to conclude discussions swiftly. Modi also noted that he looked forward to speaking directly with President Trump, stressing that their joint efforts would help build a brighter and more prosperous future for the people of both countries.

However, tensions remain within the Trump administration, particularly regarding India’s tariff policies. Peter Navarro, Donald Trump’s trade advisor, warned in a recent interview that if New Delhi does not “come around” on trade negotiations, the situation could have long-term negative consequences. He also criticized India’s dealings with rival nations, suggesting that India’s ties with Russia and China could further complicate matters.

The visible shift in Donald Trump’s tone comes after his administration imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods, plus an additional 25% on India’s Russian oil imports, bringing total duties to a whopping 50%.