Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday expressed his keenness to speak to his "very good friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming weeks. Trump stated: "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."
In response, on Wednesday, PM Modi took to X and wrote, "“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.”
Trump's remarks and PM Modi's reaction seem to reflect a renewed warmth and strategic coming-together between the two countries. It is a clear sign that both US and India have a desire to boost economic ties and diplomatic engagement. It was on June 17 that Trump and Modi had last spoken. After US imposed 50% tariffs on India, the relations between the two countries hit rock bottom. Amid the mounting tariff tension, the US trade negotiating team put off its August 25 visit and India stood its ground over its oil trade with Russia. Now, the barriers in talks are apparently being removed.
With both leaders taking a positive stance on their bilateral ties and showing their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, the path is apparently being cleared to iron out differences over trade and other crucial issues. There seems to be a mutual recognition of the importance of the partnership for bolstering economic growth for both India and the US.
With the trade negotiations being put back on track, the tension over tariffs is also expected to ease. The US could scale down the tariffs for India. There is a likelihood that an Indian trade delegation will visit US next week to address the tariff issue and strike a win-win deal. The renewed interaction between Trump and PM Modi also sets a positive tone for the upcoming Quad Summit.
Despite the tension over bilateral ties after US targeted India, the relationship could see a fresh impetus for cooperation, coordination and deeper engagement as resolving disputes will benefit both the nations.
Trump's softened tone against India after several previous confrontations goes a long way to indicate that he has realised that India is a key trading partner for the US and stretching the tariff war will do nobody good. With India reciprocating the positive US approach, a more robust and strategic Indo-US partnership is all set to take shape.
