President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged friendly messages in which both expressed optimism about the outcome of trade talks, signaling that a recent sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries has been halted.
Why It Matters
Just days ago, Trump said the United States appeared to have “lost” India, as well as Russia, “to deepest, darkest, China.”
“May they have a long and prosperous future together!” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform on September 5.
What To Know
Late on Tuesday, Trump hailed trade negotiations with India, saying he was confident that any issues could be resolved successfully.
“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,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
“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!”
Trump hit India with tariffs of up to 50 percent on August 27, after imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on the country related to its purchases of Russian oil, which help Moscow pay for its war in Ukraine.
Trump had already put a 25 percent tariff on India over trade barriers faced by American firms.
Trump said last week India had offered to cut its tariffs on U.S. imports to zero, but he did not elaborate.
Modi, in response to Trump’s message, Modi sent a similarly warm greeting.
“India and the U.S. are close friends and natural partners,” Modi said in a post on X, to which he attached Trump’s message.
“I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-U.S. 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.”
Trump’s shock 50 percent tariffs on India had raised questions about the future of their relations. Ties had strengthened in recent years, with India increasingly being seen as an important partner in the event of a confrontation between the U.S. and China.
India has said it will continue to buy Russian oil.
In a particularly blunt early August message, Trump said he did not care about India’s “dead” economy.
The two leaders have also had a disagreement over Trump’s contention that he ended a war between India and Pakistan in May. New Delhi said an intervention by Trump had nothing to do with the end of hostilities.
On September 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin and Modi to a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in China.
The three leaders spoke warmly of relations between their countries, all of which are at odds with the U.S. on issues primarily centered on the Russian war against Ukraine and trade.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump in a post on Truth Social on September 1 said of India: “They have now offered to cut their Tariffs to nothing, but it’s getting late. They should have done so years ago. Just some simple facts for people to ponder!!!”
What Happens Next
No date has been announced for new trade negotiations, or for a meeting between the two leaders, though both of them said talks would be held soon.
The post Trump, Modi Exchange Warm Greetings After Months of Tension appeared first on Newsweek.
