• Source:JND
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India and the United States remain “close friends and natural partners,” expressing optimism that the ongoing trade negotiations will open new opportunities for growth between the two countries. His comments came shortly after US President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington and New Delhi will restart talks to address what he described as “trade barriers,” even as tensions remain over American tariffs on Indian exports.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister said, “India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people.” The Prime Minister’s response came hours after President Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, announced that the two sides were “continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations.” He added that he looked forward to speaking with his “very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks.” Trump expressed confidence that the discussions would end in “a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries.”

Tariffs At the Center Of Dispute

The fresh push for dialogue follows a recent move by Washington to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, coupled with a 25 per cent penalty on imports of Russian oil by Indian refiners. The measures drew strong reactions in New Delhi, but both governments have sought to ensure that broader bilateral ties are not derailed.

Speaking at the White House earlier this week, President Trump sought to downplay concerns about a potential strain in ties. “India and the United States have a very special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion,” he said. When asked if he was ready to reset relations, Trump replied: “I always will. I’ll always be friends with (PM) Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister. I’ll always be friends, but I just don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment.” Dismissing speculation that India and Russia were drifting towards China, Trump added, “I don’t believe that to be the case.”

Prime Minister Modi, echoing Trump’s sentiment, stressed that the India-US partnership is “positive and forward-looking.” In his social media post, he noted: “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.”

ALSO READ: Trump Softens Tone On India After Tariff Tensions, Says 'Will Speak To PM Modi In Coming Weeks'

What's Next?

The renewed trade talks will test the ability of both sides to find common ground while balancing domestic interests. While Trump has often used tariffs as a negotiating tool, Indian officials maintain that discussions must be “fair and equitable.” The fresh announcement of talks comes weeks after Washington raised tariffs on Indian exports.

ALSO READ: Trump Flips On India, Calls PM Modi 'Friend'; Reaffirms India-US 'Special' Ties Despite Tariff Row

Despite these tensions, both leaders have continued to stress their personal friendship and the strategic importance of India-US ties. For now, Modi and Trump’s reciprocal outreach is being read as a signal to markets, diplomats, and businesses alike: that despite the turbulence over trade, the political leadership in New Delhi and Washington is determined to keep relations on track.