Washington D.C. – United States President Donald Trump has indicated that he is likely to visit India next year, citing that discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are progressing well. The President made the remarks during a press briefing at the White House on Thursday, where he also lauded Prime Minister Modi as "a great man" and "a friend".
"They are going good (trade talks). He is a friend of mine, and we speak and he wants me to go there (India). We will figure that out, I will go," Trump stated in response to a question about the ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries. When directly asked about plans for an India visit in the coming year, Trump responded, "It could be, yes".
The announcement comes amidst ongoing negotiations aimed at finalizing a significant trade deal between the U.S. and India. While the specific details of the potential agreement remain under discussion, both nations are reportedly working towards resolving key political decisions to solidify the framework.
Trade relations between the two countries have experienced fluctuations in recent years. Last week, Trump signaled a potential thaw in relations, which had previously soured after the U.S. doubled tariffs on Indian imports in response to India's purchase of Russian oil.
In related developments, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump and his trade team remain engaged in serious discussions with India. She further emphasized the President's respect for Prime Minister Modi, noting that they communicate frequently.
Adding to the complexities, Trump recently claimed that Prime Minister Modi agreed to cut Russian oil imports, a statement that has not been officially confirmed by New Delhi. While a White House official suggested India had halved its Russian oil purchases, Indian sources indicated that no immediate reduction had been observed. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated that the country's energy sourcing decisions are based on national interests and consumer welfare.
Despite trade-related challenges, the U.S. and India continue to strengthen cooperation in other areas. On October 31, the two countries signed a 10-year defense framework agreement, hailed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as a "cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence". The agreement aims to enhance coordination, information sharing, and technological cooperation between the two nations.
If President Trump visits India in 2025, it could be to attend the fifth summit of the Quad, which India will be hosting. The Quad is a four-nation coalition comprising Australia, Japan, India, and the United States. Trump's prior visit to India was in February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
