U.S. President Donald Trump and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed efforts to resolve ongoing trade disputes as negotiators from both nations continue on a trade agreement that remains out of reach.
Modi described the conversation as positive and focused on reviewing progress in bilateral relations, as well as addressing both regional and international issues. He added that India and the U.S. plan to cooperate further for global peace, stability, and prosperity.
Both leaders emphasized the need to sustain progress in trade negotiations and also covered cooperation in areas such as critical technologies, defense, and security, as per an Indian official. U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, described the call as positive and noted that Modi reiterated support for Trump’s initiatives to achieve peace in Ukraine.
This diplomatic push follows Modi’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the two leaders agreed to strengthen economic and security ties. This development occurred despite pressure from Trump for India to halt its growing oil trade with Russia in the aftermath of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Indian industries have faced significant challenges due to Trump’s 50% tariffs, which New Delhi is keen to see eased. Negotiations over tariff reductions have been protracted, yet Indian officials are optimistic that a preliminary agreement to lower import taxes might be reached by year-end.
India’s chief economic adviser, V. Anantha Nageswaran, expressed confidence in an interview with Bloomberg that a trade deal would be finalized by March, highlighting that most major trade issues have already been addressed.
Trump has expressed willingness to reduce tariffs on Indian goods, which were initially introduced in response to India’s importation of Russian oil. However, he has delivered inconsistent messages regarding India’s trade practices.
Most recently, the president suggested that additional tariffs could be imposed on Indian rice to counter perceived dumping, even as India remains the world’s largest rice exporter and a major supplier to the United States.
The Indian Rice Exporters Federation responded by stating that their U.S. exports are driven by demand and do not compete directly with U.S.-grown rice, particularly the basmati variety.
