• Source:JND

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that Washington and New Delhi will restart negotiations to address what he described as “trade barriers” between the two countries, while also reiterating that India-US ties remain “very special.”

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump 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. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, 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 announcement comes in the backdrop of Washington recently imposing a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, along with an additional 25 per cent penalty on purchases of Russian oil.

“Nothing to worry about,” Says Trump On India Ties

Speaking at the White House earlier this week, Trump described India-US relations as a “very special relationship” but also expressed displeasure at what Prime Minister Narendra Modi was “doing at this particular moment.” When asked if he was ready to reset ties with India, the US President said, “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. But India and the United States have a very special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.” The US President also dismissed speculation that India and Russia were “lost” to China, saying he did not believe that to be the case.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi also responded warmly to Trump’s comments, describing the partnership as “positive and forward-looking.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi said, “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 Prime Minister last spoke to Trump over the phone in June, officials said.

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The fresh announcement of talks comes weeks after Washington raised tariffs on Indian exports. Despite these tensions, both leaders have continued to stress their personal friendship and the strategic importance of India-US ties.