New Delhi/Washington: Signalling a thaw in ties, US President Donald Trump announced that India and the US are continuing their negotiations to address trade barriers and that he looks forward to speaking with his “very good friend PM Modi”.
Reciprocating, Prime Minister Modi in a post on X said that the two countries are close friends and natural partners and expressed confidence that the trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership.
PM Modi also said that their teams are working to conclude the trade negotiations at the earliest.
Signalling the positive movement in ties after the visible tensions that had crept in, President Trump wrote on Truth Social:
“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!”
He later also posted PM Modi’s reply.
PM Modi posted on X: “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.”
The development comes days after the US President said during a presser in the White House that he “will always be friends with Modi, he is a great Prime Minister” and that "India and the United States have a special relationship”.
PM Modi had been quick to reply to it, saying that he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates President Trump's sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership”.
The thaw in ties comes after tensions had crept into the relationship, following the US President announcing 50 percent tariffs on India, including 25 percent over the purchase of Russian oil, which he alleged was fuelling the Ukraine conflict.
