Trump, Modi keep regular dialogue; Washington says trade talks making progress
Washington – US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his strong ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as trade discussions between Washington and New Delhi gained new momentum. The White House confirmed on Tuesday that both leaders speak regularly and continue to push forward economic cooperation.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt briefed reporters about the status of the US-India relationship. “The President has great respect for Prime Minister Modi, and they speak quite frequently,” she said. Leavitt added that both nations remain engaged in “very serious discussions” on trade and investment.
According to her, Trump and his trade team are actively negotiating with Indian counterparts to strengthen bilateral economic ties. “The conversations continue with optimism and mutual respect,” she said.
Leavitt also shared that Trump recently spoke with Modi during Diwali celebrations at the Oval Office. Senior Indian-American officials joined the President during the event. “The President feels very positive about India-US relations,” Leavitt said. She also praised Washington’s ambassador in New Delhi, Sergio Gor, for his active role in fostering cooperation.
Trump’s renewed outreach signals a shift after months of tension between the two countries. The relationship had cooled when Washington doubled tariffs on Indian imports earlier this year. The United States imposed an initial 25 percent tariff on July 30, followed by another 25 percent a week later. Officials cited New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil as the reason.
However, recent developments suggest a softening of stance. Trump told reporters in South Korea last week that he hoped to finalize a new trade deal with India soon. “We are working on something very good for both countries,” he said, hinting at progress behind the scenes.
In response to recent US sanctions on Russian energy firms Rosneft and Lukoil, Indian refiners have scaled back oil imports from Moscow. Officials in both capitals view this move as a step toward stabilizing trade ties.
Analysts see the ongoing discussions as a sign of strategic recalibration. “Washington and New Delhi both recognize the need to reset the relationship,” said trade expert Dr. Alicia Morgan. “The dialogue now focuses more on mutual gains rather than disputes.”
The Trump administration appears eager to expand cooperation beyond trade. Energy, defense, and technology partnerships are also part of the broader conversation. Leavitt noted that both countries are exploring new frameworks for digital trade and clean energy investment.
Diplomatic sources in Washington said that the White House plans to host an India-US business summit early next year. The event aims to attract private investments in manufacturing, renewables, and digital infrastructure.
Meanwhile, officials in New Delhi welcomed the tone of the discussions. Indian trade ministry sources confirmed that talks are progressing “steadily” and could lead to “significant outcomes” before the end of the fiscal year.
As both leaders continue their engagement, the US-India partnership seems to be entering a new phase — one driven by pragmatic cooperation, shared interests, and renewed political trust.
