Washington D.C. – In a recent statement, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that trade discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are progressing well, and he is considering a visit to India in the coming year. This announcement comes amid ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving trade disputes between the two nations.
"They are going good (trade talks)," Trump stated, responding to a question about the status of the trade deal talks. He further acknowledged his rapport with the Indian Prime Minister, saying, "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 also described Prime Minister Modi as "a great man". When directly asked about a potential visit to India next year, Trump responded, "It could be, yes".
The United States and India have been engaged in intense negotiations to finalize a bilateral trade agreement (BTA), with the goal of significantly boosting bilateral trade. Five rounds of talks have already taken place, with an initial target to conclude the first phase of the agreement by the fall of 2025.
These discussions have gained importance due to the strain in relations that arose after the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including an additional 25% import duty on crude oil purchases from Russia. This move was criticized by India as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable". The proposed BTA aims to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, a substantial increase from the current $191 billion.
Despite the tariff tensions, the White House has affirmed President Trump's commitment to strengthening the relationship with India. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized Trump's positive feelings about the India-U.S. relationship, noting that he speaks frequently with Prime Minister Modi.
India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has also provided positive feedback on the trade discussions, stating that both countries are addressing sensitive and serious issues. He acknowledged that reaching an agreement would naturally take time.
In February 2025, President Trump hosted Prime Minister Modi in Washington D.C., where both leaders expressed their commitment to the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. They also launched the INDUS Innovation bridge to promote partnerships in space, energy, and other emerging technologies.
While trade between the two countries remains substantial, India's merchandise exports to the U.S. experienced a decline in September due to the higher tariffs. Despite this, the U.S. has remained India's largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year.
The ongoing trade negotiations and President Trump's potential visit to India signal a continued effort to navigate the existing trade challenges and strengthen the overall relationship between the two countries.
