US President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that discussions regarding trade between the United States and India will persist, despite recent tensions arising from the imposition of 50% tariffs by Trump on India’s purchases of Russian oil. Trump expressed optimism about resolving trade barriers between the two nations, stating on his Truth Social platform that he foresees no challenges in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. Additionally, Trump mentioned plans to engage in talks with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the near future, to which Modi responded positively, expressing anticipation for the upcoming dialogue.
In a separate communication on Wednesday, Modi described the relationship between India and the US as that of “close friends and natural partners,” emphasizing his confidence in the trade negotiations that are underway to unlock their full potential. Modi assured that efforts are underway to swiftly conclude these negotiations for the benefit of both countries. The recent strain in relations between the two countries stemmed from Trump’s desire for recognition for his role in facilitating peace talks between Pakistan and India after the heightened tensions in May, a claim that India, which rejects external intervention in Kashmir disputes, did not warmly receive.