Trump-Modi affirm progress in US-India trade talks

U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that negotiations with India on trade are moving forward, despite recent tensions sparked by Washington’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.

“I am pleased to announce that India and the United States are continuing negotiations to address trade barriers between our two nations,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account, expressing confidence that both sides would “successfully conclude” the talks. He also noted plans to speak with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “in the upcoming weeks.”

Modi responded on Wednesday via X, describing the U.S. and India as “close friends and natural partners.” He said he was confident ongoing talks would “unlock limitless potential” in bilateral trade and stressed that negotiators from both sides were working to finalize discussions “at the earliest.”

The reassurance comes after months of strained ties. Trump has voiced frustration with India, particularly as he seeks recognition for his claimed role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan following their May conflict — the most serious flare-up between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in decades.

New Delhi, however, has consistently rejected third-party involvement in the Kashmir dispute, a position that has left Trump’s mediation efforts largely dismissed.