‘Very Good Friend’: Trump Praises PM Modi As Negotiations Resume

In a move aimed at reducing friction, US President Donald Trump confirmed that his administration has resumed trade discussions with India.

Taking to Truth Social, he wrote, “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.”

On Tuesday, Trump referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a ‘very good friend’. He further added that he looked forward to speaking with him ‘in the upcoming weeks’.

“I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!,” the US President added.

The announcement comes after a marked softening in Washington’s language.

During a White House press briefing on Friday, Trump remarked, “I’ll always be friends with Prime Minister Modi”, calling him a ‘great Prime Minister’.

“India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about,” the US President stated.

Responding a day later, PM Modi said he fully valued Trump’s comments.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”

The week began with India’s envoy in Washington, Vinay Kwatra, holding discussions with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.

Sharing a picture of the meeting on social media platform the following day, Kwatra described it as a ‘productive discussion’.

Taking to X, he posted, “Had a productive discussion with @UnderSecStateP Allison Hooker. Echoed the sentiments of our leaders. Both sides remain engaged through our ongoing bilateral and Quad initiatives, under the forward-looking India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

The developments come against the backdrop of Trump’s decision on 27 August.

On that day, he raised tariffs on Indian imports to 50 per cent. This effectively doubled the earlier 25 per cent levy.

The step was taken in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil amid the Ukraine war.

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